Saxe-Altenburg, Duchy. A House Order Silver Merit Medal by F. Helfricht
(Silberne Verdienstmedaille des 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. (1871-1891 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a leftward-facing profile of Ernst I circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a central Saxon coat of arms on top of a Cross Pattée, circumscribed by order motto “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFULLY AND STEADFASTLY”), the obverse maker marked “F. HELFRICHT”, the edge marked “SILBER” with a content number of “990”, measuring 29.75 mm in diameter, weighing 16.0 grams, in better than very fine condition.

