The centre of the obverse contains the crest of the princely house, and the reverse shows the number ‘ XXV,’ alluding to the distinction, which can only be obtained after twenty-five years’ active service, the years of war counting double.
After the incorporation of the two Principalities with Prussia in 1850, the Order was received amongst the Prussian Orders, under the name: ‘Order of the House Hohenzollern.’ The statutes underwent modifications in several points, and the Order now consists of only three classes: Cross of Honour, first, second, and third class, to which are added a Golden Medal of Honour, and a Silver Medal of Merit.
1. The Cross of Honour, first class, is a gold octagonal cross, white enamelled, with black edges. In the middle of the cross is a white enamelled field, showing the family crest of the Hohenzollern, quartered white and black, and covered with a crown. Mound this field, and within a ring upon blue enamelled ground, is the legend: ‘Fir Treue und Verdienst.’ Between the angles of the Cross are green enamelled wreaths, partly of laurel, and partly of oaken branches, the leaves being adorned with gold edges.
2. The Cross of Honour, second class, consists of the same Cross, but of a smaller size. The white enamelled middle of the reverse contains the crowned initials, ‘ F. and C. in gold. The ring round it shows in gold, upon blue ground, the day of the foundation of the Order (5th December, 1841).
3. The Cross of Honour, third class, is of silver; the arms of the cross are pointed, while the reverse shows the date of the foundation (8th December, 1844). In all other respects, it resembles the Cross of the second class.
4 and 5. The Golden Medal of Honour, and The Silver Medal of Merit, have the same impression, both on front and reverse, as have the medal and ring of Cross second class.
