Saxe-Ernestine, Duchy. A House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, Grand Cross Star, Military Division, c. 1940

(Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden). Instituted March 25, 1833 by Duke Ernst I of Coburg-Gotha, Duke Friedrich of Altenburg, and Duke Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxony-Meiningen. Type II. (Issue 1864 -). A rare award in silver and Gold, displaying multi-piece construction, an eight-point star presenting clusters of nine smooth rays of alternating silver and cladded Gold clusters, the center of the star presents a white enamelled cross with ball finials, obverse medallion exhibits a Gold and green enamelled diamond style crown on a lightly pebbled field surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER (Faithful and Steadfast), again surrounded by a green enamelled oak leaf wreath, attached to the 12 o’clock arm are two silver gilt crossed swords, the reverse is plain presenting a single pin assembly with eight rivets attaching the cladded Gold rays and the white enamel cross to base, measures 83.80mm (w) x 85.27mm (h), weighs 69.0 grams, small loss of enamel to green enamelled wreath, crack in blue enamel ring and Gold pebbled field at 3 o’clock, minor deterioration of middle ray in 9 o’clock arm, enamel in white arms intact, overall very fine condition and rare.

Footnote: From 1864 onward, the awards no longer had an obverse letter associated with a Duchy, the awards conferred upon native citizens and foreigners both featured an oak wreath surrounding the centre medallion, and a Gold Medal grade was added to the Order.