Hohenzollern, Dynasty. A House Order of Hohenzollern, Silver Merit Medal

(Fürstlicher Hausorden von Hohenzollern Silberne Verdienstmedaille). Instituted 5 December 1841 by Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Prince Carl of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. (1842-1918 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a central raised Hohenzollern coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND MERIT”), in turn set within a circular laurel and oak leaf wreath, the reverse bearing a central raised combined monogram, circumscribed by an institution date of “DEN 1. JANUAR 1842”), in turn set within a circular laurel and oak leaf wreath, unmarked, measuring 32.52 mm in diameter, weighing 13.0 grams, in extremely fine condition.