House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, Type I, Civil Division, Silver Merit Cross

SKU: 01.SXD.0101.107.01

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Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    March 25, 1833
  • remarks
    The German name of the award is ‘Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden, Verdienstkreuz'.

Physical Description


A smooth Maltese cross, constructed of silver. The cross features a narrow edge. The obverse centre medallion features the left-facing portrait of Ernest the Pious. The medallion is surrounded by a raised oak leaf wreath. The reverse is similar, except that the centre medallion features the Saxon coat of arms with a superimposed diagonal bar with five rue leaves. The medallion ring features the inscription ‘FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER’ (‘loyal and steadfast’). The reverse doesn't feature an oak leaf wreath. On a loop for suspension, on a purple ribbon with green side stripes.

An early variant features an obverse medallion ring with the inscription ‘FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER’ (‘loyal and steadfast’) and a reverse medallion ring with the date 'D. 25. DECEMBER 1833'. Additionally, both obverse and reverse feature an oak leaf wreath around the centre medallion.

History


The Order was jointly founded by Duke Ernst I of Coburg-Gotha, Duke Friedrich of Altenburg, and Duke Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxony-Meiningen.

This Order originally consisted of the grades of Grand Cross with Grand Cross Breast Star, I Class Commander Cross with I Class Commander Breast Star, II Class Commander Cross, Knight Cross, and Silver Merit Cross.

It was awarded to members of the aforementioned families, civil servants, citizens of Coburg-gotha, Altenburg, and Meiningen, and foreign citizens to recognize valuable and loyal services.

To be officially conferred upon a foreigner, the award had to have been supported by at least two Duchies.

The awards conferred upon citizens of the three founding Duchies had an oak wreath surrounding the centre medallion, while the awards conferred upon foreigners did not have an oak wreath surrounding the centre medallion.

Additionally, the Order awards were decorated with a letter on the obverse of the upper cross arm that was associated with the awarding Duchy.

The Order awards from Altenburg had the letter "F" on the obverse.

The Order awards from Saxony-Meiningen had the letter "B" on the obverse.

The Order awards from Coburg-Gotha had the letter "E" on the obverse.

In 1850 the Order was amended to allow crossed swords, through the centre of the cross or on the surmounting ring, to be added to the awards conferred to recognize wartime merits.

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Versions

  • Price

    $3,200 USD

  • Composition

    Silver

  • Inscription

    Rev: FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER

  • Size

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