Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, 1st Class Grand Cross, c.1910

1864-1935 Issue. A well preserved example of an 1864-1935 issue Saxe-Gotha/Altenburg Ernestine House Order Grand Cross (Sachse-Ernestinische Hausorden); a gold Maltese cross with white enameled arms and ball finals, as well as with lions between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a gold center medallion, depicting a leftward facing bust of Ernst the Pious, surrounded by a light blue enameled ring, inscribed “Fideliter et Constanter” (Latin - Faithful and Steadfast) in golden lettering, with a green enameled ring around the outer edge; the reverse with the standard motif for this award within a central medallion, surrounded by a blue enameled ring, inscribed “D. 25. Dezember, 1833” in golden lettering, with a green enameled ring around the outer edge; suspended from a swivel crown suspension with a horizontally-pierced ball and ring suspension; measuring 57.72 mm (w) x 57.14 mm (h); weighing 37.7 grams; the structure on which the crown suspension is attached is lightly bent; on correct, later issued sash, the enamels very well preserved, in overall extremely fine condition.