Order of Albert the Bear, Princess Cross

SKU: 01.ANH.0101.108.01

Estimated market value:

$ Click to See Price/Value

  • Order of Albert the Bear, Princess Cross Obverse
  • Order of Albert the Bear, Princess Cross Reverse
  • Order of Albert the Bear, Princess Cross Obverse
  • Order of Albert the Bear, Princess Cross Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    November 18, 1836
  • remarks
    This may be a separate grade or a variation of another grade.

Physical Description


An ovular medal constructed of gold and enamels. The obverse bears the cut out image of a crowned bear ascending a wall with a door. The obverse is encompassed by a border inscribed with "FÜRCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE" (Fear God and Obey His Commands). The reverse is encompassed by a border inscribed with "ALBRECHT DER BAER REG: 1123 BIS 1170" (Albert the Bear reign of 1123 to 1170). With a loop for suspension, on a red and green striped ribbon.

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.
According to the statutes, it was possible for a Grand Cross to be awarded with the combination of a crown and swords, however, no such medal was officially produced.

The Princess Cross was awarded to women and was worn on a bow ribbon.

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

Versions

  • Price

    $2,800 USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: FÜRCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE Rev: ALBRECHT DER BAER REG: 1123 BIS 1170

  • Size

    33x43mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top