House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, Type II, Military Division, Silver Merit Cross

SKU: 01.SXD.0102.210.01

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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 mit Schwertern'.

Physical Description


A smooth or pebbled Maltese cross, constructed of silver. The decoration features crossed swords through the centre. 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.

History


The House Order of Saxe-Ernestine 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 recognise 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 feature an oak wreath surrounding the centre medallion, while the awards conferred upon foreigners do not.

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 feature the letter "F" on the obverse.

The order awards from Saxony-Meiningen feature the letter "B" on the obverse.

The order awards from Coburg-Gotha feature 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 recognise wartime merits.

The Type II order awards underwent multiple changes. From 1864 onward, the awards no longer featured an obverse letter associated with a Duchy, the awards conferred upon native citizens and foreigners both featured an oak wreath surrounding the centre medallion, and a Gold Medal grade was added to the order.

The awards conferred for exceptional merit during World War I had dates added to the obverse, including "1914", "1914 1915", and "1914 1916".

In 1890, the Knight Class was divided into two separate classes, I Class Knight and II Class Knight. The II Class Knight was abolished later in 1913.

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Versions

  • Price

    $550 USD

  • Composition

    Silver

  • Inscription

    Rev: FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER

  • Size

    40mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Smooth crosses were awarded to approx. 1890, after which pebbled crosses became the preferred form.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $750 USD

  • Composition

    Silver

  • Inscription

    Rev: FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER

  • Size

    40mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Smooth crosses were awarded to approx. 1890, after which pebbled crosses became the preferred form.

  • View Item

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