Physical Description

A George’s cross with outwardly rounded arms, constructed of gold and enamels.The cross is white enamelled with a black outline inside the white field, and a narrow gold border. A green enamelled wreath is featured in between the arms, made of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right (as seen from the obverse). The obverse centre medallion is enamelled in white and features the gold monogram ‘F.C.’, above which is a gold crown with red lining and a white-and-black bottom part. The medallion’s ring is enamelled in blue with a gold border and features the gold inscription ‘FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST’ (‘for loyalty and merit’) with a small decorative twig at the bottom. The reverse is similar, except that the medallion is white enamelled with a gold border and no medallion ring, and it features the black-and-white coat of arms of the house of Hohenzollern on a red-and-white cloak with a crown on top. The crown is in the same design as the one on the obverse medallion. On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with a narrow brown centre stripe and broad brown side stripes.

History

The House Order of Hohenzollern was founded by Prince Konstantin of Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Prince Karl Anton of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen on December 5, 1841, and was conferred upon individuals who rendered meritorious service to the princely house.

The order originally featured five grades, including three crosses and two medals.

In 1852, the two Hohenzollern principalities were annexed by Prussia. The Prussian government expanded the order and it continued to be awarded in Hohenzollern as a princely House Order.

The order underwent several expansions and was reorganised numerous times throughout its history.

In 1866, crossed swords were added to the grades that were conferred in recognition of military merit.

In 1891, the grade of Honour Commander Cross was added to the order.

In 1910, Gold and Silver Crosses of Merit were added as grades to the order.

Crosses continued to be produced from 1851 to 1852, which was the period between Type I and Type II. Due to the short awarding period, these medals are very rare.

The II Class was conferred upon civil officers with the rank of collegiate, counsellor, or head-bailiff. It was conferred upon military personnel with the rank of at least captain. The II Class could only be conferred upon six individuals per principality.