Physical Description

A George’s cross, constructed of gold and enamels, with silver gilt crossed swords through the centre. The cross features outwardly rounded arms and is white enamelled with a black outline inside the white field, and a narrow gold border. A green enamelled wreath with gold borders is featured in between the arms, made of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right. The centre medallion is enamelled in white and features the black-and-white Hohenzollern coat of arms with a narrow gold border, above which is a gold crown with red lining. 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 two small decorative twigs in green and narrow gold borders at the bottom. The reverse is smooth with a pinback.

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 Lieutenant General, General, Colonel General, or Field Marshall were eligible to receive the I Class Honour 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.

There are known examples of the I Class Honour Cross by Hossauer, which do not feature space between the centre medallion and the laurel wreath.