Hohenzollern, Dynasty. A House Order of Hohenzollern, I Class Honour Cross with Case, by Hossauer

(Fürstlicher Hausorden von Hohenzollern Ehrenkreuz I. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 5 December1841 by Prince Konstantin of Hohenzollern-Hechingenand Prince Karl Anton of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. (1851-1965 issue). Constructed of silver with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with white enameled arms trimmed with gilt borders, joined through the quadrants by a circular green enameled laurel and oak leaf wreath with details highlighted in gilt, overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt and hand-painted Hohenzollern coat of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), joined by a laurel and oak branches executed in gilt with enamels, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback completing in a ball finial and meeting a flattened and rounded catch, maker marked “HOSSAUER” for the firm of Johann George Hossauer, Berlin, measuring 49.50 mm (w) x 49.46 mm (h), weighing 26.9 grams, accompanied by a period presentation case, constructed of a rigid card stock frame with a purple doeskin exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt Hohenzollern crown, the interior with a purple satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former maker marked “GEBR. FRIEDLÄNDER, HOF-JUWELIERE, SR. MAJ. D. KAISERS, BERLIN. W.” indicating production by Gebrüder Friedländer (a noted court jeweller and manufacturer of this order, indicating possible purchase of a matching case by Hossauer, or substitution with a period-correct example by the recipient), with a slotted purple doeskin medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 8 cm (w) x 8 cm (l) x 3 cm (h), minor flecking and scratching is visible throughout the enamels of the cross, in addition to a small chip to the top edge of the nine o’clock arm, while the reverse silver base demonstrates an unblemished patina, in overall extremely fine condition.