Anhalt, Duchy. An Order of Albert the Bear, Silver Merit Medal

(Hausorden Albrecht des Bären, Silberne Verdienstmedaille). Instituted 18 November 1836 by Henry, Duke of Anhalt-Köthen, Leopold IV, Duke of Anhalt-Dessau, and Alexander Karl, Duke of Anhalt-Bernburg. (1836-1918 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a central crowned bear walking on top of a fortress wall, circumscribed by an inscription of “FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEIN BEFEHLE” (“FEAR GOD AND OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS), the reverse bearing a central crowned Anhalt coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “ALBRECHT DER BAER, REG. 1125 BIS 1170” (“ALBERT THE BEAR, KING 1125 UNTIL 1170”), unmarked, measuring 36.16 mm in diameter, weighing 12.3 grams, in extremely fine condition.