Prussia, Kingdom. A House Order of Hohenzollern, Member’s Cross with Swords
(Königlicher Hausorden von Hohenzollern Kreuz der Inhaber mit Schwertern). Instituted 18 January 1851 by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. (1861-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with its arms outlined in black enamels and joined through the quadrants by a circular green enameled laurel and oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a black and gilt Hohenzoller imperial eagle clutching an orb and sceptre, within a ring of blue enamels bearing a gilt inscription of “VOM FELS ZUM MEER” (“FROM THE CLIFFS TO THE SEA”) with laurel branches, pierced by gilt crossed swords, the reverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a gilt monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, within a ring of blue enamels bearing a gilt institution date of “DEN 18. JANUAR 1851” with laurel branches, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a swivel hollow crown suspension culminating in a suspension loop with a period original length of ribbon, unmarked, measuring 37.65 mm (w) x 55.92 mm (h), weighing 27.0 grams, minor flecking is evident to the enamels, an exquisite example in overall extremely fine condition.

