Saxe-Ernestine, Duchies. A House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, Commander's Cross with Swords on Ring

(Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden Komturkreuz mit Schwertern). Instituted 16 October 1935 by Duke Carl Eduard (1935 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials, each joined through the quadrant by a lion passant, the obverse overlaid by a central gilt medallion bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a green enameled oak leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central gilt and enameled Saxe-Ernestine cot of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing an initial institution date of “D. 25. DECEMBER 1833”, similarly situated within a green enameled oak leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a hollow crown suspension culminating in a loop and ring retaining a period original confectioned neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 57.64 mm (w) x 86.26 mm (h), weighing 42.6 grams, demonstrating minor flecking throughout the enamels, in extremely fine condition.