Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Duchy. An Saxe-Ernestine House Order Silver Merit Medal, with 1914-17 Clasp
(Silberne Verdienstmedaille des Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischen Hausordens mit Schwerterspange 1914/7). Instituted 28 March 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and Duke Bernhard of Saxe-Meiningen. (1917 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with “1914-17” sword clasp, the obverse bearing a raised rightward-facing profile of Duke Carl Eduard of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a central Maltese Cross overlaid by a Saxe-Coburg and Gotha coat of arms, circumscribed by a motto of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), unmarked, measuring 30.21 mm in diameter, weighing 17.0 grams (inclusive of ribbon), the clasp has separated from the award with evidence of repairs using adhesive, in overall near extremely fine condition.

