Saxe-Ernestine, Duchies. A House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, II Class Knight’s Cross with Swords

(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. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials and joined through the quadrants by lions passant, the centrepiece pierced by a pair of crossed swords, the obverse bearing a central gilded medallion overlaid by a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a circular green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the reverse bearing a central gilded and enameled Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “D. 25. DECEMBER 1833”, in turn surrounded by a circular green enameled laurel leaf wreath,  the twelve o’clock arm topped by a stylized ribbon suspension connecting to a detailed crown culminating in a suspension loop which retains a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 46.14 mm (w) x 70.95 mm (h), weighing 25.8 grams, demonstrating minor flecking, discolouration, and hairline cracks to the enamels, in overall extremely fine condition.