Order of Albert the Bear, Grand Cross Breast Star
SKU: 01.ANH.0101.103.01
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Attributes
Physical Description
An eight-pointed star constructed of silver, gold, and enamels. There are also versions of the breast star in embroidery. The metal star is also seen with diamonds. The obverse centre bears a circular medallion with the enamelled image of a crowned bear ascending a wall, encompassed by a border with the inscription "FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE" (Fear God and Obey His Commands). Metal stars bear a pinback on the reverse for attachment.
History
The Order of Albert the Bear was founded by Prince Sigismund I of Anhalt-Dessau around 1382 and was named after Albert the Bear (1110-1170), the first Ascanian Margrave of Brandenburg and the Count of Anhalt and Ballenstadt. The order was forgotten after Prince Sigismund I’s death in 1405. On November 18, 1836, the order was renewed and made a joint House Order by Duke Henry of Anhalt-Köthen, Duke Leopold IV of Anhalt-Dessau, and Duke Carl of Anhalt-Bernburg. The Order of Albert the Bear was awarded by the Dukes to meritorious subjects as a token of honour and distinction.
The Order of Albert the Bear originally featured three main grades and two merit medals, which included: Grand Cross with Grand Cross Breast Star, Commander, Knight, Gold Medal of Merit, and Silver Medal of Merit. In 1848, the grade of Commander was expanded into I Class Commander with I Class Commander Breast Star and II Class Commander. In 1854, the grade of Knight was expanded into I Class Knight and II Class Knight. From 1863, the reigning Duke of Anhalt was the order’s Grand Master. Non-Christians were not eligible for the order until after 1863.
The Order was amended on July 18, 1864, to incorporate crossed swords as a possible addition for wartime merit. The crossed swords, which are added between the top of the medal and the suspension ring, indicate a Military Division award. The absence of crossed swords indicates a Civil Division award.
In 1901, a surmounting gold-coloured crown was added to the grades of Grand Cross, I Class Commander, II Class Commander, and I Class Knight. A surmounting silver crown was added to the grade of II Class Knight.
The Breast Stars were uniformly awarded with all Grand Crosses and there are many excellent copies. The Grand Cross Breast Star with Swords was created during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm I.
Versions
$2,700 USD
Silver/Gold/Enamelled
Obv: FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE
81mm
Godet, Berlin; Rosenthal, Berlin
This version is constructed of silver, gold, and enamels.
$5,000 USD
Silver/Gold/Diamonds/Enamelled
Obv: FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE
This version contains diamonds.
$2,000 USD
Embroidered
Obv: FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE
There are only four known embroidered Breast Stars in existence. It is unknown in which time period these Stars were officially awarded.
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