Saxe-Ernestine, Duchy. A House Order in Gold, Grand Cross with Swords, c.1900

(Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden, Großkreuz und Bruststern mit Schwertern). Instituted 25 December 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1833-1918 issue). A superb Saxe-Ernestine House Order Grand Cross set, consisting of a large and impressive sash badge in Gold, featuring a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms and ball finials, with gilt crossed swords piercing the centre of the cross, obverse with a central applique featuring a raised leftward facing bust of Ernest I, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel with gilt order motto of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel leaf wreath, reverse with a central green enameled crown on a pebbled background, surrounded by a blue enameled ring with gilt institution date of “25 DECEMBER 1833”, surrounded by a green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the 12 o’clock arm with a hollow gilt crown suspension connecting to its period original sash, constructed of purple and green ribbon, measuring 70.78 mm (w) x 105.67 mm (h), weighing 68.4 grams, the central applique slightly loose, minor green enamel flaking, otherwise extremely fine. Accompanied by the star of the order, of equal quality in silver consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, obverse with a white enameled Maltese Cross with ball finials, with gilt crossed swords, overlaid with a Gold applique set with a green enameled crown on a pebbled gilt field, surrounded by a blue enameled ring with gilt order motto of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn ringed by a green enameled laurel wreath, the reverse with a barrel hinge and narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a roundwire catch, with 12 visible rivets holding obverse features in place, measuring 82.57 mm (w) measuring 79.2 grams, with toning of silver rays, very fine condition.

Footnote: Only 27 Grand Cross sets with swords were awarded between 1914 -1918. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.