Saxe-Ernestine, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Commander’s Cross with Swords in Gold, c. 1860

(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. Type I. (1833-1864). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross and white enamelled arms completing in ball finials, with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the quadrants joined together by lions passant, the obverse bearing a central medallion with a raised leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, within a ring of blue enamels bearing the motto of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST), surrounded by an additional green enamelled laurel leaf wreath, the 12 o’clock arm bears an “F” denoting an Altenburg award, the reverse bearing a central enamelled 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 enamelled 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 56.9mm (w) x 85.1mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned integral ball), weighs 43.3 grams (including ribbon), small chip to reverse green enamelled wreath, ribbon is faded with a large split in the center where the ring sits, a beautiful and early decoration of Saxe-Ernestine, in better than extremely fine condition.