(Albrecht-Orden, Komturkreuz mit Schwertern). Instituted 1850 by King Friedrich August II of Saxony. Type II (1876-1918). Civil Division. In silver gilt, a splendid white enamelled Latin cross with a green enamelled wreath between the arms, the obverse medallion shows a raised right facing bust of Duke Albrecht on a white enamelled field, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS (Albert the Bold), along with arabesques towards the bottom of the ring, the reverse medallion presents the Saxon coat of arms on a white enamelled field, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring with arabesques at the top and “1850” at the bottom, the badge is surmounted by a silver gilt high relief crown and worn on a double barrelled suspension loop, maker marked on 6 o’clock arm GLASER & SOHN, measures 52.6mm (w) x 88.5mm (h – inclusive of crown suspension), weighs 58.6 grams, accompanied by a section of period neck ribbon, beautiful enamelling, small chip on the reverse blue ring at 2 o’clock but otherwise very nice, decoration in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Commander Breast Star, a four-point star consisting of clusters of seven rays, each with a thin edged ray, the obverse medallion presents a right facing bust of Duke Albrect on a white enamelled field surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS (Albert the Bold), encircled by a pebbled silver gilt ring, the reverse presents a thin single pin assembly with catch, measures 87.90mm (w) x 87.95mm (h), weighs 66.7 grams, several cracks to white central enamel, nice patina, overall near very fine condition.
Contained in its hardshell case of issue composed of wood and black leatherette exterior, lid stamped with the seal and Albrects – Orden Komturkreuz underneath with a thin line bordering near the edge, the interior presents a partial red velvet medalbed with hinged at the base, revealing a flat bed underneath for the star and ribbon, the interior lid is a crème coloured silk, marked with sticker on base for C.E Kunath and G.A Scharffenberg, measures 117mm (w) x 198mm (w) x 65mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, wear to corners and base, overall better than very fine condition.
Footnote: This Order was instituted by King Freidrich August II in commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the death of his predecessor Duke Albert III, also known as Albert the Bold. The Order was awarded to recognize general merit and service to the States, such as civil merit, military merit, and merit in art and science. Glaser & Sohn began supplying the Albert Order pieces in 1911.