House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, Honour Commander Cross (with swords on ring)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.HOZ.0101.304.01.004

Estimated market value:

$675 USD

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Estimated market value:

$675 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Composition
    Silver gilt/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST Rev: L. DEN 10. FEBRUAR 1891
  • Size
    50x51mm
  • Version Remarks
    Only one was awarded.

Physical Description and Item Details


A George’s cross, constructed of silver gilt and enamels, with silver gilt crossed swords between the 12 o'clock arm and the suspension loop. The cross features outwardly rounded arms and is white enamelled with a black outline inside the white field, and a narrow gilt border. A green enamelled wreath with gilt borders 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 black-and-white coat of arms of Hohenzollern with a golden border. Above it sits a golden crown with red enamel. The medallion’s ring is enamelled in blue with a gilt border and features the golden inscription ‘FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST’ (‘for loyalty and merit’) with two small decorative twigs in green and narrow gilt borders at the bottom. The reverse is similar, except that the centre medallion features the crowned monogram ‘L’ and the medallion’s ring features the inscription ‘DEN 10. FEBRUAR 1891’ (‘February 10th, 1891’). On 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.

During the First World War, the order grades awarded with swords were conferred in recognition of outstanding leadership skills and bravery in the face of the enemy.

In 1916, the order statues were revised and it was determined that only military personnel with the rank of Major General or Colonels, who had received the II Class Decoration of a Prussian Order, were eligible to receive the Honour Commander Cross with Swords.

The order continued to be awarded throughout the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich.

In 1935, King Carol II of Romania became a prince of the House of Hollerzollern and was given the right to confer the order in Romania.

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