Saxe-Ernestine, Duchy. A House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, I Class Knight with 1914-1918 War Dates

(Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden Ritterkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 25 March 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. Type II (1864-1918). Civil Division. 1 of 19 awarded. A beautiful I Class Knight in silver gilt, a white enamelled Maltese Cross with ball finials, passant lions in each quadrant between the arms, the superimposed dates 1914 and 1918 sit on the 12 and 6 o’clock arm respectively, the obverse medallion features the left facing profile of Duke Ernst I, situated within a blue enamelled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a circular green enamelled laurel leaf wreath, the reverse bearing a central gilded and enamelled Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, situated within a blue enamelled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “D. 25. DECEMBER 1833”, in turn surrounded by a circular green enamelled laurel leaf wreath, the cross is surmounted by a delicately carved crown, measuring 44.67mm (w) x 69.00 mm (h - inclusive of cross adorning crown suspension), weighs 25.90 grams, minor flakes of white enamel on the reverse arms, medallions slightly loose, otherwise a rare award in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a commander ribbon of the same order, connected by a button at one edge, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Awarded to military officers for non-combat achievements and 1918 the year of bestowal. Only 19 of this type were awarded.