Order of Albert the Bear, I Class Knight with Swords

SKU: 01.ANH.0101.205.01

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  • Order of Albert the Bear, I Class Knight with Swords (in bronze gilt) Obverse
  • Order of Albert the Bear, I Class Knight with Swords (in bronze gilt) Reverse
  • Order of Albert the Bear, I Class Knight with Swords (in bronze gilt) Obverse
  • Order of Albert the Bear, I Class Knight with Swords (in bronze gilt) Reverse
  • Order of Albert the Bear, I Class Knight with Swords (in bronze gilt) Obverse

Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    November 18, 1836
  • remarks
    The I Class Knight with Swords award was awarded sparingly in the early years. The register from 1837 to 1854 states that only 155 were awarded. The appearance of the bear on the obverse may vary. The Knight's Cross may read FÜRCHTE or FUERCHTE.

Physical Description


An ovular medal constructed of bronze gilt, silver gilt or gold. The obverse bears the cut out image of a crowned bear ascending a wall with a door. The obverse is encompassed with a border inscribed with "FUERCHTE 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). Topped with two crossed swords. With a loop for suspension, on a red and green striped ribbon.

There are examples of the I Class Knight wth Swords also with a surmounted crown.

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.

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Versions

  • Price

    $700 USD

  • Composition

    Bronze gilt

  • Inscription

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

  • Size

    33x39mm; 35mm (swords)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This version is constructed of bronze gilt. Only 60 awarded prior to World War I.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $700 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt

  • Inscription

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

  • Size

    33x39mm; 35mm (swords)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This version is constructed of silver gilt and is an unofficial version.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $800 USD

  • Composition

    Bronze gilt

  • Inscription

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

  • Size

    34x61mm; 22x18.5mm (crown); 37mm (swords)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This version is constructed of bronze gilt and bears a surmounting crown. The gilded surmounting crown was added as an attribute in 1901.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $1,000 USD

  • Composition

    Gold

  • Inscription

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

  • Size

    34x61mm; 22x18.5mm (crown); 37mm (swords)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This version is constructed of gold and has a surmounting crown. This version is unofficial.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $1,000 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt

  • Inscription

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

  • Size

    34x61mm; 22x18.5mm (crown); 37mm (swords)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This version is constructed of silver gilt and bears a surmounting crown. This version is unofficial.

  • View Item

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