Anhalt, Duchy. An Order of Albert the Bear, I Class Knight’s Decoration

(Hausorden Albrecht des Bären Ritterzeichen I. Klasse). 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 gilded bronze, consisting of an oval round surrounded a central depiction of a bear walking across a fortress wall, the obverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜRCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE” (“FEAR GOD AND OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS”), topped by the coat of arms of the House of Ascania, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “ALBRECHT DER BAER, REG: 1123 BIS 1170” (“ALBERT THE BEAR, REIGN: 1123-1170”), topped by an integral ring and suspension loop retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 33.73 mm (w) x 43.98 mm (h), weighing 12.9 grams, in extremely fine condition.