Physical Description

A George’s cross, constructed of silver and enamels, with crossed silver gilt swords through the centre. 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.