Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Duke Ernst II with the circular inscription ‘ERNST II. HERZOG VON SACHSEN-ALTENBURG’. The reverse features the reverse of the Saxe-Ernestine House Order, with the circular inscription ‘FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER’ (‘faithful and steadfast’), with a small five-leaf rosette at the bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a purple ribbon with green side stripes. The crossed silver swords are either attached to the ribbon, soldered onto the suspension loop, or situated between eyelet and loop.
Swords in silvered bronze are known to exist.

History

The House Order was jointly founded by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard Erich II of Saxe-Meiningen to commemorate their shared ancestor Duke Ernest of Saxony-Gotha.

The House Order Medals of Merit were primarily awarded to civil servants and members of the founding families in recognition of loyalty and exceptional services rendered to the houses, but it was also conferred upon foreigners and citizens of the founding duchies.

The Type VI medals feature the hallmark "990, SILVER" or "990 SILVER".

The Type IV Silver Medals could feature additional clasps on the ribbon, including swords, and a clasp reading "1914". The clasps add value to the medal.