German Awards - Grand Cross with Crown and Swords

The Grand Cross, as the highest class of the Order of the House, from 1901 could also be awarded with the ducal crown. The foundation of the crown was timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the birth of Duke Frederick I of Anhalt. The crown was awarded in gold for classes from the Grand Cross to the Knight of the 1st class. Knight 2. The class received a silver crown. The Crown was awarded only for special services. Gold swords were donated for military merit to all classes in 1864. The awarding of the crown and swords took place mainly during the First World War. For the Grand Cross presented here with a crown and swords, only one award of Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg is accepted. 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. Until 1863, the possibility of awarding non-Christians was excluded. On July 18, 1864, swords were added to them for their merits in the war. Signs of the order with a crown and swords are especially rare. The large cross shown is a single copy and cannot be priced. Источник: Gerd Scharfenberg, Die Orden und Ehrenzeichen der Anhaltischen Staaten 1811-1935, 1999., Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen до 1945, Bd.1

Oval, openwork order sign made of gilded bronze with a wide written ring. The font and raised edges are polished. From above, a large golden crown with swords crossed under it was connected movably by means of a hinge. The imperial apple has a depressed ear through which passes an elongated double ribbon ring.

Front side:

• On a wide rim, the inscription elevates: - FEAR - GOD - AND - FOLLOW - HIS - COMMANDS -.
In
• a closed field, a wall with 3 teeth and an open gate rises obliquely up to the right.
• On the teeth is a bear running to the right with a crown and a collar.
In the
• upper part of the ring, the small state coat of arms also elevates the generic coat of arms of the Ascans.

Downside:

• On the wide rim is a raised font: - ALBRECHT - DER - BAER - REG. - 1123 - DO - 1170 -
In
• a surrounded field, a wall rising obliquely to the left up with 3 teeth and an open gate.
• On the teeth of a bear running to the left with a crown and a collar.
At the
• top of the written ring rises the coat of arms of the county of Aschersleben (Ascania).

Tape:

Flap width 103 mm dark green, side strip 17 mm dark red

Photo: Private collection of Maximilian Ferdinand Leopold Prince of Anhalt

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