Anhalt, Duchy. An Order of Albert the Bear, Silver Merit Medal, c.1917
(Silberne Verdienstmedaille Albrecht des Bären). Instituted 18 November 1836. (1836-1918 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a central crowned bearing on top of a fortress wall, circumscribed by an inscription of “FUERCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE” (“FEAR GOD AND OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS”), the reverse with a central Anhalt coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “ALBRECHT DER BAER, REG. 1123 BIS 1170” (“ALBERT THE BEAR, KING 1123 UNTIL 1170”), unmarked, measuring 32.13 mm in diameter, weighing 14.6 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.

