Germany Awards - Order of Albrecht Bear Diamond Breast Star to Grand Cross

The first breast stars to the Grand Cross were shiny and were made by Berlin-based manufacturer Rosenthal or Eilmeyer of Dresden. The star presented here is without a manufacturer. Around 1870, thoracic stars with smooth rays were granted. The second parts were also produced brilliantly until 1918, for example by Rothe in Vienna. At the beginning of the rental period, the stars were still embroidered from silver linen and wool. The first metal stars were made in exceptional cases, but were not officially produced until the middle of the 19th century. Stars vary in size (76 mm - 90 mm) and weight (50 g - 70 g). The background in midfield can also be enamelled white or gilded. The order was established by the Dukes Henry of Anhalt-Kötensky (1830-1847), Leopold Friedrich of Anhalt-Dessau (1817-1871) and Alexander Karl of Anhalt-Bernburg (1834-1863). As it was said, the order was awarded for loyalty and devotion, talents and legitimate official activities. The classes of the order were originally: a large cross, commander, knight, gold and silver medals for merit. Effective March 18, 1848, commanders were assigned to the 1st Class with a star and 2. Class without stellar division. On February 8, 1854, the following unit took place. Knights became Knights 1. Class in Gold and Knights 2. The class is divided into silver. The Grand Cross was awarded about 450 times. As a result, only about 300 stars were made. In the Court and State Directory of 1912, another 148 cavaliers of the Grand Cross were listed. Источник: Gerd Scharfenberg, Die Orden und Ehrenzeichen der Anhaltischen Staaten 1811 - 1935, 1999.

An eight-pointed slightly curved star made of silver with shiny rays. There are 4 graduated intermediate beams between 8 main beams. In the center is a large round enameled medallion. The reverse is smooth, silvery with a large central lid. Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook. Needle jack and hooks are installed on beams. On the side are two soldered additional hooks.

Front side:

• Medallion with enlarged double edges inside and out.
• The outer edges are sinuous, the inner ones smooth.
• Between them is a wide, mostly green enameled ring.
• Hang the silver inscription: - ° - FEAR - GOD - AND - FOLLOW - HIS - ORDERS -.
In a surrounded
• field is a black enameled bear with a golden crown and a collar.
• It runs along the three teeth of the red enameled wall.
• It is a golden border with a golden gate at the bottom.
• The background is silver and shaded.

Downside:

• The round patch is smooth with a ribbed edge.
• The angled end pin is extended above.
• On the side are two curved soldered additional hooks.

Photo: Private collection of Maximilian Ferdinand Leopold Prince of Anhalt