Anhalt. A House Order Of Albert The Bear, I Class Knight With Crown, C.1905

(Hausorden Albrechts des Bären mit Krone). Instituted 1836 by Prince Sigismund. In bronze gilt, surmounted by typical Anhalt Royal Crown suspension, obverse displaying a crowned bear on top of a fortress wall, circumscribed by a ring inscribed FÜRCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE (Fear God and Follow his Commands), mirrored reverse with ring inscription ALBRECHT DER BAER REG: 1123 BIS 117, measuring 34.03 mm (w) x 57.85 mm (h - including crown suspension), with mid 20th Century ribbon, minor surface wear and contact, with sharp detailing and only minor loss of gilt, remains near very fine.

Footnote: Only 60 I Class with Crown badges awarded therefore classifying this item as rare.

The Order of Albert the Bear was founded by Prince Sigismund I and was named after Albrecht the Bear (1110-1170), who was the first Ascanian Margrave of Brandenburg, as well as the Count of Anhalt and Ballenstadt. On November 18, 1836, the Order was renewed and made a joint House Order by three Dukes of Anhalt, Henry (Heinrich), Duke of Anhalt-Köthen, Leopold IV, Duke of Anhalt, and Alexander Carl, Duke of Anhalt-Bernburg. The Dukes awarded the Order to meritorious subjects as a token of honour and distinction.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.