Martin Brethren

Martin Brethren or Knights of the Order of St. Martin of Mayence, were organized in 1294 by archbishop Gerhard, and renewed by archbishop Berthold in 1497, and flourished until the days of the French Revolution. Their object was the attainment of a godly life, brotherly love among the knights, and protection of the holy faith. Their sign was a golden shield, with a picture of St. Martin. — Regensburg Allgem. Encyklop. s.v. Martinsbrüder.