The Albert Order (Albrechts-Orden) ranks among the most significant dynastic orders of the Kingdom of Saxony and represents an important chapter in Saxon order history during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The decoration presented here, a Knight's Cross 2nd Class with Swords, was crafted in silver-gilt and bears in the lower arm of the cross the characteristic maker's mark “G” of the renowned firm Glaser in Dresden.

The Albert Order was established on December 31, 1850 by King Frederick Augustus II of Saxony and named after his brother Prince Albert of Prussia, husband of his daughter. The order was initially founded as a purely civil order of merit to recognize exceptional achievements in state service, science, arts, and industry. The order was divided into several classes, with the Knight's Cross 2nd Class representing a middle rank within the hierarchy.

With the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71 and subsequent military conflicts, the need arose to award the order for military merit as well. For this purpose, swords were introduced as a war decoration. The swords, placed through the arms of the cross, designated awards for bravery and military achievements in wartime. This modification transformed the originally civil order into a militarily significant decoration as well.

The 2nd Class of the Albert Order was typically worn on a neck ribbon and ranked in the hierarchy between the 1st Class (Grand Cross) and the 3rd Class (worn on a ribbon). The Knight's Cross was distinguished by its artistic design: a golden cross with a green enameled medallion in the center, displaying either the initials of the founder or the Saxon coat of arms.

The maker's mark “G” in the lower arm of the cross indicates the firm of Glaser & Sohn in Dresden, one of the most important manufacturers of orders and decorations in Saxony. The company was founded in the 19th century and supplied the Saxon royal house as well as military and civil authorities with high-quality decorations. The signing of orders was customary and served both quality assurance and protection against counterfeits. The Dresden workshops were renowned for their excellent craftsmanship, particularly in enamel work and precious metal processing.

The gilding on silver was characteristic of many Saxon orders of this class. This technique, in which a silver core was covered with a layer of gold, enabled a magnificent visual appearance while remaining cost-effective compared to solid gold orders. The craftsmanship required great skill and testifies to the quality of Saxon order manufactories.

During World War I, the Albert Order with Swords was frequently awarded to Saxon officers and deserving soldiers. The Kingdom of Saxony, as a federal state of the German Empire, was actively involved in all theaters of war, and Saxon troops fought on the Western Front, Eastern Front, and in the Balkans. The awarding of the order followed strict criteria and had to be justified through detailed nomination proposals.

After the end of World War I and the abdication of the Saxon royal house in November 1918, the official conferral of the Albert Order also ended. The monarchy was abolished, and Saxony became a Free State within the Weimar Republic. Nevertheless, previously awarded orders retained their significance as symbols of personal bravery and merit.

Today, examples of the Albert Order with Swords are sought-after collectors' items that represent important testimonies of Saxon military history. They document not only the artistic craftsmanship of the era but also the complex system of military and civil honors in the German Empire. The signature of a renowned manufacturer like Glaser significantly increases the historical and collectible value, as it confirms the authenticity and provenance of the piece.