Saxe-Altenburg, Duchy. A House Order Merit Medal, Gold Grade, with Swords, c.1914

(Goldene Verdienstmedaille des Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischen Hausorden). Instituted 25 December 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1908-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with crossed swords clasp, the obverse with a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst II circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a central Saxon coat of arms on top of a Cross Pattée, circumscribed by order motto “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFULLY AND STEADFASTLY”), unmarked, measuring 33.74 mm (w), weighing 19.1 grams, in near extremely fine condition.