Saxony, Kingdom. A Rare Order of Merit, Commander’s Cross with Swords, c. 1917

(Verdienstorden Komturkreuz). Instituted 7 June 1815 by King Friedrich August I. (1910-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, joined through the quadrants by a green enameled segments of a crown, the obverse overlaid by a white enameled medallion bearing a central gilded and enameled Saxon coat of arms, situated within a white enameled medallion bearing a gilt inscription of “FRIED. AUG. K. V. SACHSEN. D. 7. JUN. 1815” (“FRIEDRICH AUGUST KING OF SAXONY DEN 7 JUNE 1815”), with gilded crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the reverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST UND TREUE” (“FOR MERIT AND LOYALTY”), situated within an oak leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a hollow crown suspension culminating in an eyelet and suspension ring with a period original neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 61.41 mm (w) x 90.90 mm (h), weighing 55.2 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, a rare late wartime example produced c. 1917, in extremely fine condition.