Saxon Duchies. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Civil Division, II Class Knight’s Cross

(Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden Ritterkreuz II. Klasse). Instituted 25 March 1833 by Duke Ernst I of Coburg-Gotha, Duke Friedrich of Altenburg, and Duke Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxony-Meiningen. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with gilt and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials, with each arm joined together through the quadrants by silver lions passant, the obverse bearing a central gilt medallion overlaid by a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, the reverse bearing a central gilt and enameled Saxon coat of arms, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt institution date of “D. 25 DECEMBER 1833”, in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by two silver ribbon which connect to a crown suspension with a loop and period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 43.70 mm (w) x 68.08 mm (h), weighing 26.6 grams, the obverse six o’clock arm enamel demonstrates period repair which the reverse of the same arm shows minor chipping to the corners, with additional flecking of enamels throughout, in better than very fine condition.