Saxe-Ernestine House Order, First Class Knights Cross with Swords

Saxe-Ernestine House Order Knights Cross First Class. A Bath cross, enamelled white, with ball end finials surmounted by a double sided crown. Silver lions passant and crossed swords are fitted between the arms of the cross. Obverse: A gold medallion with the head of Duke Ernest facing left, in a blue enamel circle containing the inscription 'FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER' surrounded by a green enamel olive wreath. Reverse: The arms of Saxony in the centre with 'D. 25 December 1833' on a blue enamel circle surrounded by a green enamel olive wreath. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender, through the top section of the crown and a piece of 30 mm magenta ribbon with green side stripes that have a very thin black line on the inner edge.

Instituted in 1833, for the Duchies of Saxe-Altenburg, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and Saxe-Meiningen, of the branch of the ducal family founded by Ernst the Pious, the Saxe-Ernestine House Order was considered a renewal of the Order of Teutonic Integrity, which had been instituted in 1690. The Order had five classes, and when awarded for military gallantry was issued with swords. Awards to foreigners did not have the central green wreath. This medal forms part of a collection assembled by the Memorial in the 1920s for display.