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

(Silberne Verdienstmedaille des Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischen Hausordens). 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 silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a raised leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst II, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a raised depiction of the Saxe-Ernestine House Order, circumscribed by an inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), unmarked, measuring 33.35 mm in diameter, weighing 13.9 grams, in extremely fine condition.