Order of Albert the Bear, Grand Cross Breast Star with Swords

SKU: 01.ANH.0101.202.01

Estimated market value:

$ Click to See Price/Value

  • Order of Albert the Bear, Grand Cross Breast Star with Swords Obverse

    Image courtesy of MedalBook User: JacobTKJ

    See Licence

    Attributes

    • country
      Germany
    • date of institution
      November 18, 1836
    • remarks
      There are many variations in the constructions of this medal. The Breast Star rays may be segmented, smooth, or pebbled. In addition, the colour of the enamel work varies.

    Physical Description


    An eight-rayed star constructed of silver, gold and enamels. The obverse bears a circular medallion with the enamelled image of a crowned bear ascending a wall with a door, encompassed by a border inscribed with "FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE" (Fear God and Obey His Commands). With two crossed swords above the medallion. The reverse bears a vertical pinback.

    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, a ...  nd 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.
    Show more

    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

      $2,500 USD

    • Composition

      Silver/Gold/Enamelled

    • Inscription

      Obv: FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE

    • Size

      81mm

    • Maker

    • Version Remarks

    • View Item

    Comments

    Sign in to comment and reply.

    Scroll Top