Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of silver. The obverse bears the image of a crowned bear ascending a wall with a door, encompassed by a border with the inscription "FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE" (Fear God and Obey His Commands). The reverse bears the split coat of arms of the house of Anhalt-Köthen, Anhalt-Dessau, and Anhalt-Bernburg, 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 (in silver or silver gilt). On a loop for suspension, with a red and green striped ribbon.

There are examples of the Silver Medal of Merit with Swords with a surmounting 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.