The Royal Order of the Steel Crown [Ordre Royale de la Couronne d'Acier] was established by King Orelie-Antoine on December 17, 1869, at Perquenco, Araucania. On December 31, 1872, he changed the name to Civil and Military Order of the Steel Crown [Ordre Civil et Militaire de la Couronne d'Acier]. This award is now an order of merit rather than an order of knighthood.