Saxe-Ernestine, Duchies. A House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, II Class Knight’s Cross

(Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden Ritterkreuz II. Klasse). Instituted 25 March 1833 by Dukes Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, and Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of silvered with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials, joined through the quadrants by lions passant, the obverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion bearing a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, surrounded by a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER & CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, the reverse bearing a Gold and enameled Saxon coat of arms, surrounded by a blue enameled ring bearing a date of “D. 25 DECEMBER 1833”, surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, topped by an elaborate crown suspension culminating in an eyelet and suspension ring with a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 43.40 mm (w) x 66.60 mm (h), weighing 25.8 grams, demonstrating minor chipping to the enamels of the outer corners of some of the arms, with additional flecking throughout, in near extremely fine condition.