- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Institution: 5 December 1841
- Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)
The House Order of Hohenzollern (or Hausorden von Hohenzollern or Hohenzollernscher Hausorden in German) is a dynastic order of knighthood of the House of Hohenzollern awarded to military commissioned officers and civilians of comparable status.
The House Order of Hohenzollern was instituted on December 5, 1841, by joint decree of Prince Konstantin of Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Prince Karl Anton of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. These two principalities in southern Germany were Catholic collateral lines of the House of Hohenzollern, cousins to the Protestant ruling house of Prussia. On August 23, 1851, after the two principalities had been annexed by Prussia, the order was adopted by the Prussian branch of the house.
Associated with the various versions of the order were crosses and medals which could be awarded to lower-ranking soldiers and civilians.
The Royal House Order of Hohenzollern came in the following classes:
- Grand Commander (Großkomtur)
- Commander (Komtur)
- Knight (Ritter)
- Member (Inhaber) – For soldiers who were not officers, as well as civilians.
The House Order of Hohenzollern Design
The badge is a cross pattée or “Alisee” cross with convex edges and curved arms. All versions of the badge feature white enamel on the higher classes and a black enameled stripe near the sides of the cross. Between the arms of the cross is a wreath of laurel leaves (left side) and oak leaves (right side).
The cross bears a center medallion with different coats of arms, mottos, dates and ciphers for each of the Royal, Princely and Romanian versions:
- The white-enameled medallion bears a black Prussian royal eagle with the Hohenzollern house coat of arms on a shield on the eagle’s chest and a gold-rimmed band of blue enamel with the motto in gold letters: vom Fels zum Meer (“From the cliffs to the sea”) and a wreath of laurel below.
- The white-enameled medallion of the Princely House Order of Hohenzollern bears the Hohenzollern coat of arms (a quartered shield of black and white) under a princely crown.
- The white-enameled medallion of the Romanian House Order bore a black Romanian eagle with the Hohenzollern coat of arms on a shield on the eagle’s chest.
The ribbon of the order is white with three black stripes (with slight variations among the Royal, Princely and Romanian versions).
More Prussian Orders
Throughout Prussian history, these orders played a significant role in the social hierarchy and served as tangible expressions of royal favor and recognition. They continued to be awarded even after the dissolution of the Kingdom of Prussia, remaining as enduring symbols of valor, service, and honor in German society. Here are some more about Prussian Orders:
