Hohenzollern, State. An Order of Bene Merenti, Grand Master Cross with Swords, by Hemmerle, c.1940

Instituted August 9, 1932. In silver gilt, a Grand Master’s Cross featuring a white and black cross with crossed swords piercing the medallion, the obverse medallion features the inscription BENE MERENTI on a white enamelled field surrounded by a green wreath, the reverse presents all white enamel arms with the medallion featuring the crowned FF inscription encircled by a black enamelled ring, surmounted by a crown with internal red enamelled cap and armoury suspension displaying a knight with the black and white enamelled crest of Hohenzollern on its chest with weapons in the background, the reverse of which is plain with a singular hook for ribbon connection, measures 62.9mm (w) x 120.6mm (h – inclusive of shield and crown suspension), weighs 85.9 grams (including ribbon), worn on a period neck ribbon, enamels intact, minor wear, scattered gilt wear, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Grand Master Breast Star with Swords in silver gilt, featuring a white and black cross with crossed swords piercing the medallion, the obverse medallion features the inscription BENE MERENTI on a white enamelled field surrounded by a green wreath, the reverse presents the makers cartouche of JUWELIERE GEBR. HEMMERLE VORM. ELCHINGER MUNCHEN, with single vertical pin assembly, measures 63.2mm (w) x 63.3mm (h), weighs 46.6 grams enamels intact, light wear, in extremely fine condition.