Saxon Duchies. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Civil Division, Ii Class Knight’s Cross

(Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden Ritterkreuz II. Klasse). Instituted 25 March 1833 by Duke Ernst I of Coburg-Gotha, Duke Friedrich of Altenburg, and Duke Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxony-Meiningen. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of silver and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials, the obverse bearing a central Gold medallion overlaid by a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”),  within a ring of blue enamel bearing a Gold institution date of “D. 25 DECEMBER 1833”, with period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 43.7 mm (w) x 68.0 mm (h),  the cross exhibits period re-enameling on bottom arms, dark toned, attractive decoration in fine condition overall.