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

The award of the Grand Cross also included a breast star worn on the left chest. 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. The first pectoral stars were shiny and were made by Berlin-based manufacturer Rosenthal or Eilmeyer of Dresden. The star shown here is typical of manufacturer J. Godet, Berlin, which has provided a variety of breast stars. 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 February 24, 1850, 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 arched star made of silver with smooth rays captured laterally by lines. There are 5 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.

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.

Photo: Private collection of Maximilian Ferdinand Leopold Prince of Anhalt

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