Saxony, Kingdom. An Order of Merit, II Class Knight’s Cross with Swords, by G.A. Scharffenberg

(Verdienstorden Ritterkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 7 June 1815 by King Friedrich August. (1911-1918 issue). Constructed of silvered with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised and enameled Saxon coat of arms, circumscribed by a gilt inscription of “FRIED. AUG. K. V. SACHSEN D. 7. JUN. 1815” (“FRIEDRICH AUGUST KING OF SAXONY INSTITUTED 7 JUNE 1815”), the reverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE UND TREUE” (“FOR MERIT AND LOYALTY”), situated within a hand-painted green oak leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and suspension ring retaining a period original ribbon with clasp, the six o’clock arm maker marked with the logo of G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden, measuring 35.75 mm (w) x 35.56 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.