Physical Description

A circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Duke Ernst II in uniform with the circular inscription ‘ERNST II HERZOG VON SACHSEN-ALTENBURG’ between two lines (the outer one is pearled). To the left of the head is the stamp cutter’s monogram ‘MH’ for Max Haseroth. The reverse features the crowned monogram ‘E II’, surrounded by a thin wreath with eight five-leaf rosettes and a pearled outer line. On a loop for suspension, on a blue ribbon with broad yellow side stripes.
Attached to the ribbon are two crossed silver swords.

History

The Duke Ernst Medal was introduced on September 16, 1906 by Duke Ernst I to commemorate his 80th birthday. The medal was awarded in recognition of a wide range of meritorious services and achievements, which generally benefited the ducal house and the public.

The Type II medals were instituted on August 1, 1909 by Duke Ernst II. The medals feature the portrait of Duke Ernst II facing right.

On August 31, 1915, a “1914” clasp was added as a possible medal attribute to reward service in the fields of healthcare and social welfare during the First World War. In addition, a surmounting silver crown became a possible addition to recognise outstanding achievement. As of 1915, a crossed swords clasp could be added to the medal ribbon to denote war merit. Furthermore, to recognise repeated acts of merit during the war, the medal was awarded with a surmounting crown and a crossed swords clasp.

If the recipient had been a member of Duke Ernst II's field entourage during the war, the ribbon featured an oak leaf clasp and a clasp which was inscribed with the years "1914/15".