House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, III Class Honour Cross (with crown)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.HOZ.0101.308.01.001

Estimated market value:

$1,000 USD

  • House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, III Class Honour Cross (with crown) Obverse
  • House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, III Class Honour Cross (with crown) Obverse
  • House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, III Class Honour Cross (with crown) Reverse

Estimated market value:

$1,000 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Composition
    Silver
  • Inscription
    Obv: FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST Rev: F.C. DEN 8T. APRIL 1844
  • Size
    37x56mm
  • Version Remarks
    This version may have never been awarded.

Physical Description and Item Details


A cross constructed of silver, with partially black enameled arms, along with a green enameled partial oak and laurel wreath as well as silver gilt crossed swords between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a central enameled coat of arms of Hohenzollern, surrounded by a broad ring of blue enamels, inscribed “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENSTE” (German - For Loyalty and Merit); the reverse with a central white enameled medallion depicting the crowned monogram of Leopold, surrounded by a broad ring of blue enamels, inscribed “DEN 5. DECEMBER 1841” in gilt lettering; on a partially enameled hanging crown for suspension from its period original ribbon; measuring 38.15 mm (w) x 38.04 mm (h); weighing 28.4 grams; in overall extremely fine condition.

A George’s cross, constructed of silver and enamels, with crossed silver gilt swords through the centre. On top of the 12 o'clock arm sits a mobile silver crown with lining in red enamel. The cross features outwardly rounded arms and is in pebbled silver 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 is enamelled in white and 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 is enamelled in blue with a golden border and features the golden 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 golden crowned monogram ‘FC’. The crown is in the same design as the one on the obverse medallion. The inscription reads ‘DEN 8T APRIL 1844’ (‘April 8th, 1844’). 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 Lieutenant, Captain, or high-ranking paymasters were eligible to receive the III 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.

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