Anhalt, Duchy. A House Order of Albert the Bear, I Class Commander with Crown, c.1910

(Hausorden Albrecht des Bären 1. Klasse Komturkreuz mit Krone). Instituted on 18 November 1836 by Henry, Duke of Anhalt-Köthen, Leopold IV, Duke of Anhalt-Dessau, and Alexander Karl, Duke of Anhalt-Bernburg. (1901-1918). In bronze gilt, consisting of a fortressed wall rising diagonally with three battlements and gate, a right-facing bear, wearing a crown and collar, climbs the fortress, surrounded by the inscription “FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE” (“Fear God and Obey His Commandments”), the coat of arms for the Principality of Anhalt (1218-1806) sits at 12 o-clock, 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”), measuring 38.82 mm (w) x 66 mm (h - inclusive of hollow Imperial Crown with horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by cross), weighing 25.4 g, with period original green and red ribbon neck ribbon, 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.