Awards of Germany - Order of Albrecht Knight's Cross 1st class with swords and crown

The Knight's Cross 1st Class with Crown and Swords was awarded mainly during World War I. They were made of silver. Only one gold award is known. A total of 1,437 awards were made. Among them - awarding swords to a knight's cross with a crown, a crown to a knight's cross with swords or with a crown and swords to an already awarded knight's cross.
The Order of Albrecht was established by King Frederick Augustus II. established by 31.12.1850. The reason for this was the 350th. Day of the death of Albrecht Shelter, founder of the Albertine line of the House of Wettin. Persons who rendered useful services to the state, who earned recognition by civic virtue, science, art or otherwise, were awarded. Initially, the order was divided into the following classes: Grand Cross, Komturkreuz 1, Komturkreuz 2, Knight's Cross and Small Cross. Since 1858, the Small Cross became known as the Honorary Cross. The first expansion was the addition in 1861 of a gold and silver medal as 6th class. 29.10.1866 to her were granted swords for military merits. In 1875, it was decided to change the image. In 1876, the knights became 1st and 2nd. The class is divided. The honorary cross could be exchanged for the Knight's Cross of the 2nd class. For the gold medal, Albrecht's cross became 6th. The class is assigned. Other additions included the 1883 Gold Star to the Grand Cross, the 1890 Officers' Cross, and the 1901 Gold Crown to Knight 1. In 1906, it was decided that the Knight's Cross 1. Until 1902, crosses were made of gold, after which they were gilded only with silver. The most famous manufacturer was Scharffenberg from Dresden.

An elongated cross made of gold or gilded silver with white enameled cross sleeves. Front and rear with a superimposed round medallion. Between the cruciform sleeves at a short distance is a green enameled oak-leafy wreath. Through the center - two crossed gilded swords (superimposed behind an oak wreath). Above is a stretcher to which a gold crown is attached.
A ribbon ring passes through the imperial crown apple. On the lower cruciform hand is the manufacturer of glass and son.

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:

.

Obverse: Order of Albrecht 1st Class Knight's Cross with Swords and Crown

Reverse: Order of Albrecht 1st Class Knight's Cross with Swords and Crown

Established:

December 31, 1850 by King Frederick Augustus II.
October 29, 1866 Sword Foundation
July 26, 1901 Foundation of the Crown

Awarded:

1903 – 1918

Data:

• Material: gold/silver gold-plated/enameled
• Size: 61.3mm x 37.5mm
• Weight: about 24g

estimated collector price:

700 - 730 € silver with gilding
no data for gold

OEK Number:

2209