Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Golden Merit Medal

(Goldene 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. (1905-1914 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a rightward-facing profile of Duke Carl Eduard, the reverse with a central raised depiction of the Saxe-Ernestine House Order, circumscribed by an inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), unmarked, measuring 30.22 mm in diameter, weighing 16.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), most of the gilt finish has been lost, in overall near extremely fine condition.