Saxe-Altenburg, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Silver Merit Medal

(Silberne Verdienstmedaille des Sachsen-Ernestinischen Hausorden). Instituted 25 December 1833. (1908-1918 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a central Maltese Cross bearing a wreathed Saxon coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), the reverse with a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst II circumscribed by name and title, the edge marked “SILBER”, measuring 33.75 mm in diameter, weighing 14.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.