Saxe-Ernestine, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Commander’s Cross with Swords

(Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden, Komturkreuz 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. (1864-1935 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with a Gold frame and white enameled arms completing in ball finials, with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the quadrants joined together by lions passant, the obverse bearing a central Gold medallion with a raised leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, within a ring of blue enamels bearing a gilt order motto of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), surrounded by an additional green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the reverse bearing a central Gold and enameled Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, within a ring of blue enamels bearing a gilt institution date of “D. 25 DECEMBER 1833”, surrounded by an additional green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm with a hollow crown suspension and loop connecting to a period original shortened length of neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 57.57 mm (w) x 87.72 mm (h), weighing 41.8 grams, with minor flecking of enamels evident, in extremely fine condition.