Anhalt, Hausorden Heinrich des Bären, Ritterzeichen 2. Kl. mit Schwertern

[Klaus O.]

Dear forumites,

I am showing you a nice example of the Decoration 2nd class with swords of the House order of Duchy of Anhalt. According to Gerd Scharfenberg's book "Die Orden und Ehrenzeichen der Anhaltischen Staaten" such decoration with swords were awarded only 79 from 1864 until 1909 (59 to Prussians). Because of its silver colour and the "white and immaculate" appearance of the bear, was called during WWI as "Eisbär" (in English polar Bear). The class in gold (Ritterzeichen 1. Klasse) was nicknamed instead "Hönigbär" (in English Honey bear)

I would like to stimulate my fellow forumites to post pictures of Ritterzeichen 1. or 2. Klasse of this order, with or without swords and crown (even rarer).

Here's my example... it looks as if the swords were applied later.

Ciao,

Claudio

[Klaus O.]

Detail of the swords...

[Ralph A]

Honeybear?

This from Weitze.

It's been on my "hit list". I can't make up my mind if I want it or not...

Nice Order, Claudio!

[Ponomarev]

And here is mine...

[Klaus O.]

@Ponomarev: very very nice! Thank you for posting... I specially like the Ritterzeichen 2. Kl. mit Krone... wonderful patina!

Ciao,

Claudio

[gregM]

Here is my "BABY BEAR"
This is a 15mm mini on a 13mm ribbon.

[Blitz]

Stunning pics of an award that isn't seen everyday. Thans for sharing!

[Brian S]

Oh boy oh boy, any excuse to show this one!

[Brian S]

One of my favorite orders but sorry Ralph, the neckorder doesn't do that much for me... The order to the guys who sweat blood...

[Brian S]

Battle won swords.

[gregM]

[Klaus O.]

Hi Brian,

Stunning little bar you have!!!

It must be quite a unique combination of a junior officer... have you been able to research the real owner of this bar? Was the bar on Ebay?

My congrats... really a superb medal bar!

Ciao,

Claudio

[Sal Williams]

That is really interesting, the swords look just like the ones on Spanish crosses!

Best, Sal

[Brian S]

It was on ebay about a year ago. I'm not often drawn to a piece but I had to have this one. Several people were bidding and I was a bit shocked when the dust settled and I was into it for nearly two grand. Rick said no rolls for this award.

Sal, the swords do look like SC.

[Klaus O.]

Brian,

I thought that I remember about that... Yes, 2 grants is a lot of money, but looking at the circumstances, such a combination is much rarer than a Knight Cross of the Iron Cross 1939! ...no comparison! It might have been one of a kind combination. Too bad that there aren't rolls available to research the officer who got these medals!


Ciao,

Claudio