Anhalt, Duchy. A Merit Order for Science and Art I Form, c.1900
(Verdienstorden für Wissenschaft und Kunst, I. Modell). Instituted 30 July 1873 by Duke Friedrich I. (1873-1905 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze, consisting of an oval sunray-style badge with 24 points, the obverse with a central monogram of Friedrich I on a ribbed background, circumscribed by an inscription of “HERZOG VON ANHALT” (“DUKE OF ANHALT”), the reverse with an inscription of “FUR WISSENSCHAFT UND KUNST” (“FOR SCIENCE AND ART”), inside of a laurel wreath, topped by a royal crown with a suspension loop, unmarked, measuring 33.70 mm (w) x 45.59 mm (h), weighing 26.0 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

