Anhalt, Duchy. A House Order of Albert the Bear, First Class Knight, c.1900

(Hausorden Albrecht des Bären Ritterkreuz 1. Klasse). Issued 1836-1918. An oval badge constructed of heavily gilded bronze; the obverse displaying a crowned bear that has been painted black walking on-top of a fortress wall that has been enameled in red, circumscribed “Fürchte Gott und Befolge seine Befehle” (Fear God and Follow his Commands); the reverse inscribed “Albrecht der Baer Reg: 1123 bis 1170”; on a loop for suspension from its period original ladies ribbon; measuring 32.74 mm (w) x 42.96 mm (h); weighing 14.2 grams with its ribbon; in overall near extremely fine condition.

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.