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

(Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden Ritterkreuz II. Klasse). Instituted 25 March 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1890-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials and joined through the quadrants by lions passant, the obverse bearing a central Gold medallion overlaid by a raised and leftward-facing bust of Duke Ernst I, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER AT CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a green enameled oak leaf wreath, the reverse bearing a central Gold and enameled Saxon coat of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “D. 25 DECEMBER 1833”, in turn surrounded by a green enameled oak leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crown suspension culminating in a ring which retains a period original tri-fold ribbon, unmarked, measuring 44.36 mm (w) x 68.38 mm (h), weighing 34.1 grams, demonstrating minor cracking and flecking to the enamels of the arms, a high-quality example in extremely fine condition.