House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, Gold Merit Cross
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.HOZ.0101.309.01.000
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A George’s cross, constructed of silver gilt and enamels, with crossed silver gilt swords through the centre. The cross features outwardly rounded arms with a black outline adjacent to the smooth and raised border. A green enamelled wreath with golden 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 centre medallion features the black-and-white Hohenzollern coat of arms with a narrow golden border, above which is a golden crown with red lining. The medallion’s ring features the inscription ‘FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST’ (‘for loyalty and merit’) with two small decorative twigs in green and narrow golden borders at the bottom. The reverse is similar, except that the medallion features the crowned monogram ‘W’. The crown is in the same design as the one on the obverse medallion. The inscription reads ‘DEN 1TEN JANUAR 1910’ (‘January 1st, 1910’). 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.
The Gold Merit Cross was primarily conferred upon subordinate officials.
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.
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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