Saxe-Ernestine, Dukedoms. A House Order, Grand Cross Breast Star by Godet, c. 1914

(Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden, Bruststern zum Großskreuz). Instituted 25 December 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1833-1935 issue). Constructed of silver and Gold with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst with gilded arms at the three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock points, overlaid by a central Maltese Cross with white enameled arms and ball finials, the cross with a central Gold medallion bearing a green enameled crown, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn within a green enameled laurel wreath, the reverse with right visible rivets securing the obverse features in place, with a raised barrel hinge and narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a rounded catch, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacturer by J. Godet, Berlin, measuring 83.12 mm (w) x 83.65 mm (h), weighing 66.2 grams, an exceptional piece in overall extremely fine condition.