Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Duchy. A Miniature Ernestine House Order in Gold, Commander’s Cross, c.1900
(Sachse-Ernestinische Hausorden, Komturkreuz Miniatur). Instituted on 25 December 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1864-1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with enamels, with a hollow crown and suspension loop, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms and ball finials, the obverse with a central profile of Ernst I within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), the reverse with an enameled Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “25. DECEMBER 1833”, the quadrants of the cross joined by stylized lions, unmarked, measuring 14.94 mm (w) x 23.11 mm (h), weighing 3.0 grams, in extremely fine condition.

