Saxe-Meiningen, Grand Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Silver Merit Medal, by Friedrich Ferdinand Helfricht
(Silberne Verdienstmedaille des Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischen Hausordens Herzog Georg). Instituted 25 December 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1871-1890 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a raised rightward-facing profile of Grand Duke Georg, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a central raised depiction of the Saxe-Ernestine House Order, circumscribed by an inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), the obverse maker marked “HELFRICHT. F” for Friedrich Ferdinand Helfricht, Gotha, measuring 29.75 mm in diameter, weighing 15.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.

