German Awards - Ducal Saxe-Ernestine House Order Grand Cross

The Order of the Ernestine Duchies was established on March 25, 1833 jointly by 3 Dukes Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg and Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxe-Meiningen. Initially, the order consisted of 4 classes: Grand Cross, Komtur 1st class, Komtur 2nd class and Knight. It was accompanied by a merit cross and a merit medal. The large cross depicted here without a letter on the upper cross sleeve was granted after the charter was changed in 1864. Until then, the letters on the cross were - F - for Altenburg, - B - for Meiningen, and - E - for Coburg and Gotha. Since 1864, the distinction between foreigners and foreigners has also disappeared. Foreigners before that received crosses without an oak wreath. To this was added a knight of the 2nd class. During peacetime awards, the green wreath was made of oak leaves. For military merit, the wreath was of bay leaves. The princes of the ruling houses were born with large crosses. The number of domestic large crosses was limited to 4 pieces per ducal house. For persons who are not princes, the title of actual privy councilor was a prerequisite. The large cross had a chest star. They were made in various versions with smooth rays or shiny. From 1890 to 1913, 226 awards are indicated. After 1918, the order continued to be awarded to Duke Karl Eduard of Saxony Coburg and Gotha until 1935. During this time, 43 large crosses were awarded. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. III, 1999.

Maltese-shaped golden cross with small balls on 8 peaks. Enameled crosses are white. Support and reverse with superimposed round gold medallion. Between the cross hands, the lion shouts up or down, respectively. Between the tops of the upper cruciform arm 2, the broad bridges are movably connected to the semi-serpentine ducal crown attached from above. A ribbon ring passes through the imperial crown apple.

Front side:

• The golden central shield is surrounded by a green enameled oak-leafy wreath.
• Above and below they are connected crosswise.
• Then a golden burgundy blue enameled ring with a gold inscription:
• - FIDELITER - ET - CONSTANTER - Below is a small 6-ray star.
In
• a surrounded, finely delineated golden field, a portrait of the duke, looking to the left
• Ernst the Pious (founder of the Gothic branch of the Reg. 1640-1674)

Downside:

• The golden central shield is surrounded by a green enameled oak-leafy wreath.
• Above and below they are connected crosswise.
• Subsequently, a blue enameled ring with a gold inscription: - D. - 25. - DECEMBER - 1833
-
• At the bottom is a 6-ray star, on the left and right are a dot.
In
• a surrounded field, the coat of arms is Saxon, with a green enameled diagonal diamond crown.
• Horizontal stripes are black enameled or gold with a border, dotted inside.

Tape:

• Strap/ribbon of a large purple cross 105 mm wide, edges 2 mm, green side stripes 9 mm, black dividing line.

Front: Ducal Saxe-Ernestine Household Order Grand Cross

Reverse: Ducal Saxe-Ernestine Household Order Grand Cross

Established:

March 25, 1833 together with Dukes Ernst I, Friedrich and Bernhard Erich Freund

Awarded:

1864 – 1935

Data:

• Material: gold, enamel
• Size: 106mm x 72mm, 36.5mm x 38.5mm crown
• Weight: about 68g

estimated collector price:

4200 - 4400 € in gold

OEK Number:

2458