House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, Silver Merit Medal ("1842", with crown)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.HOZ.0101.312.01.002
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A circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver, with crossed silver gilt swords between eyelet and suspension loop, topped by a mobile crown. The obverse features a wreath of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right, tied by a ribbon at the bottom. The pebbled centre features the Hohenzollern coat of arms, above which is a crown. Around it is a ring with an inner and an outer raised border, featuring the inscription ‘FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST’ (‘for loyalty and merit’) with a little six-sided star at the bottom. The reverse is similar, except that the wreath is mirrored and the centre features the crowned monogram ‘FC’. The inscription reads ‘DEN 1T JANUAR 1842’ (‘Januar 1st, 1842’). On loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with a narrow brown centre stripe and broad brown side stripes.
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 Non-Commissioned Officer without Portepee or soldiers were eligible to receive the Silver Merit Medal 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.
The Silver Merit Medals either feature the date "1841" or "1842" on the reverse. The date affects the overall value.
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