Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Duke Bernhard Erich Freund with a goatee, with the circular inscription ‘BERNHARD HERZOG ZU SACHSEN MEININGEN’ with a small five-leaf rosette at the bottom. Below is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘HELFRICHT F.’. 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.

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.