Awards of Germany - Order of Albrecht Knight's Cross 1st class with swords (2nd form)

The order was created by King Frederick Augustus II. It was presented to Duke Albrecht in memory of 31.12.1850. Initially, it was divided into the following classes: Grand Cross, Komturkreuz 1, Komturkreuz 2, Knight's Cross and Small Cross. The first form of the order, with a "bakery hat," was awarded until 1875. The image in the medallion represents perhaps the biggest mistake in the order's history. The portrait did not depict Albrecht, but Johann the Constant, the latter's nephew on the Ernestine line. This awkward mistake was corrected by a change in the medallion. The 2nd form shows a regular Albrecht with a folding cap. In 1866, swords were established for all classes. The Knights became Knights 1 and 2 in 1876. The class is divided. The cross was abolished and became the 2nd class of knights. The Albrecht Cross replaces the gold medal as 6th grade. In 1890, the Officer Cross over the 1st class was established. In 1901, the gold crown was transferred to the Knight's Cross 1st class, which after 1906 was no higher class than without the crown. The 1st Class Knight's Cross with Swords was awarded about 2,900 times from 1899 to 1918. In addition, there are about 260 awards of swords of the world class. Since 1903, crosses began to be made of silver with gilding.

An elongated cross made of gold or gilded silver with white enameled cross sleeves. Front and rear with a superimposed round medallion. Between the cross sleeves is a green enameled oak-leafy wreath. Through the center - two swords with one-sided embossing, crossed, gilded (superimposed behind an oak wreath). On top is a nasal agave with an angular ear and a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• A circular central shield on the outside with a broad blue enamelled ring in gold with a gold curved inscription:
• - ALBERTUS - ANIMOSUS -
At the
• bottom of the ring is a six-pointed star, jewelry on the left and right
In the
• center, on a white enameled background, the gilded Potrait Albrecht Host

Downside:

• Round central shield outside with wide blue enamelled gold ring with gold embellishments
• Bottom number of the year - 1850 -
In the
• center on a white enameled background under the gilded Saxon royal crown coat of arms of Saxony
• Stripes black enameled alternating gilded, obliquely set crown green

Tape:

• 36 mm wide, green edges, white side stripes of 6 mm.

Photos from www. Militaria-Berlin.de

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