House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, Small Cross for Princes

SKU: 01.HOZ.0101.306.01

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  • House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, Small Cross for Princes Obverse
  • House Order of Hohenzollern, Type II, Military Division, Small Cross for Princes Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    December 5, 1841
  • remarks
    The German name of the award is ‘Fürstlicher Hausorden von Hohenzollern, Kleinkreuz mit Schwertern'.

Physical Description


A George’s cross, constructed of gold and enamels, with crossed silver gilt swords through the centre. A mobile gold crown with red enamel is attached to the top of the 12 o’clock arm. The cross features outwardly rounded arms and is white enamelled with a black outline inside the white field, and a narrow golden 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 5T DECEMBER 1841’ (‘December 5th, 1841’). 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.

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.

Princes of the Princely House were entitled at birth to receive the Small Cross at the age of 16. Female regents or consorts were entitled to the Grand Honour Cross and the Small Cross with Diamonds.

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Versions

  • Price

    $2,500 USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST Rev: F.C. DEN 5TEN DECEMBER 1841

  • Size

    36x58mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

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