Saxe-Altenburg, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order Merit Medal by Friedrich Ferdinand Helficht
(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. (1891-1908 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst, 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”), the obverse maker marked “F. HELFRICHT”, measuring 29.68 mm in diameter, weighing 16.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.

