Saxony, Kingdom. A Merit Order, I Class Knight’s Cross with Swords, c.1916

(Verdienstorden Ritterkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 7 June 1815 by King Friedrich August (1866 with swords). (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, with a green enameled laurel wreath joining the quadrants and crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a raised Saxon coat of arms, circumscribed by a gilt inscription of “FRIED. AUG. K. V. SACHSEN. D. 7. JUN. 1815”, the reverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST UND TREUE” (“FOR MERIT AND LOYALTY”) within a green enameled oak leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 45.09 mm (w) x 45.22 mm (h), weighing 22.5 grams, with minor flecking of enamels evident, in overall near extremely fine condition.