Anhalt, Duchy. An Order of Albert the Bear, II Class Knight with Crown, c.1910

(Hausorden Albrecht des Bären Ritterkreuz, II. Klasse mit Krone). Instituted 18 November 1836 by Henry, Duke of Anhalt-Köthen, Leopold IV, Duke of Anhalt-Dessau, and Alexander Karl, Duke of Anhalt-Bernburg. (1901-1918 issue). In silver, the obverse displaying a bricked, fortressed wall rising diagonally to the right with three battlements and gate, includes a right-facing bear wearing a crown and collar climbing the fortress, surrounded by the inscription FÜRCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE (FEAR GOD AND OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS), the coat of arms for the Principality of Anhalt (1218-1806) at the top, the reverse bears the mirror-image of the bear climbing the fortress, surrounded by the inscription “ALBRECHT DER BEAR REG: 1123 BIS 1170” (ALBERT THE BEAR: 1123 TO 1170), on stylized crown suspension with loop connecting to its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 33.73 mm (w) x 56.96 mm (inclusive of crown suspension), weighing 20.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon), minor tarnishing and fatigue to ribbon evident, in otherwise near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Approximately 60 awarded.

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.