Hohenzollern, Dynasty. A Rare Prototype Bene Merenti Medal in Gold with Swords

(Kleine goldene Medaille Bene Merenti, Prototyp mit Schwertern). Instituted in 1857 by Prince Carl Anton of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. (1910-1927 issue). Constructed of 14k Gold, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of Prince Wilhelm, circumscribed by name and title in Latin, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “BENE MERENTI”, set within a circular oak leaf wreath, with cross swords emerging from the edge of the medal at diagonal points, the obverse engraver marked “O. SCHULTZ” for Otto Schultz, measuring 34.96 mm (w) x 37.54 mm (h) (inclusive of swords), weighing 19.1 grams, an interesting and rare Type IV prototype in extremely fine condition.