Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, I Class Knight’s Cross with Swords, with Case by Willi Ganssen

(Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden Ritterkreuz 1.Klasse mit Schwertern mit Etui). Instituted 25 December 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1850-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with white enameled arms and ball finials, the obverse with a central gilt medallion bearing a raised rightward-facing profile of Duke Ernst, within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER & CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn within a green enameled laurel wreath, with crossed swords through the centrepiece, the reverse with a central gilded and enameled Saxon coat of arms, within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt institution date of “25. DECEMBER 1833”, in turn within a green enameled laurel wreath, with gilded lions passant joining the quadrants, the twelve o’clock arm with a hollow crown bearing an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a period original length of ribbon, unmarked, measuring 45.04 mm (w) x 68.90 mm (h) (inclusive of suspension), weighing 27.5 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux maroon leather exterior, the lid with a gold embossed inscription of “RITTERKREUZ I. KL. M. SCHW. S. COBURG-GOTHA”, the interior with a forest-green satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted forest-green velvet medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, the lid liner maker marked “W. GANSSEN, HOFJUWELIER, COBURG”, measuring 62 mm (w) x 92 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), some material fatigue evident to the presentation case, in overall near extremely fine condition.