Saxe-Ernestine, Duchies. A Rare Saxe-Ernestine House Order, I Class Knight’s Cross in Gold

(Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden Ritterkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 25 March 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1833-1918 issue). Constructed of 18K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials and joined through the quadrants by Gold lions passant, the obverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion bearing a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel and oak leaf wreath, the reverse overlaid by a central Gold and enameled Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt institution date of “D. 25. DECEMBER 1833”, in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel and oak leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by dual ribbons which culminate in an elaborate crown suspension with a ring retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 45.00 mm (w) x 69.42 mm (h), weighing 22.2 grams, demonstrating some flecking and surface scratching to the enamels, a superb jeweller-quality example demonstrating exception attention to detail, in extremely fine condition.