Anhalt, Duchy. A House Order of Albert the Bear, Golden Merit Medal with Swords
(Hausorden Albrecht des Bären, Goldene Verdienstmedaille mit Schwertern). Instituted 18 November 1836 by Henry, Duke of Anhalt-Köthen, Leopold IV, Duke of Anhalt-Dessau, and Alexander Karl, Duke of Anhalt-Bernburg. (1864-1918 issue) Constructed of gilded bronze, with an integral loop connecting to a clasp of crossed swords with a suspension ring and period original ribbon the obverse depicting a fortress wall topped by a bear wearing a crown and collar, circumscribed by an inscription of “FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE” (“FEAR GOD AND OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS”), the reverse with an Anhalt coat of arms circumscribed by an inscription of “ALBRECHT DER BAER REG. 1123-1170” (“ALBERT THE BEAR, KING 1123-1170”), unmarked, measuring 31.89 mm in diameter, weighing 11.7 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.

