Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver gilt. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Duke Bernhard with the circular inscription ‘BERNHARD HERZOG VON SACHSEN MEININGEN’, with a small five-leaf rosette at the bottom. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘A.BÖRSCH’. On the right side of the eyelet is the silver content stamp ‘SILBER 990’. 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.

The Gold Medal may feature clasps on the ribbon reading "1914" and "1914" with swords.