Awards of Germany - Silver Medal of Merit of the Duke of Saxe-Ernestine Order of Duke George

The "Silver Medal of Merit of the Duke of Saxe-Ernestine of the House" was established jointly by the dukes listed below together with the Order of the House. Initially, this medal was awarded only in silver. Only in 1864 silver gilded medals and silver medals began to be awarded. The corresponding medals of the duchies had the image of the ruler of the corresponding duchy. The reverse was the same for all ducal merit medals.
Merit medals depicting George's chest have been issued since 1867 in 2 coinage options. Option 1 depicts the younger image of Duke George and a wide ironing eye. The size of the medals was 39 mm. The 2nd form was introduced in 1871 and depicts the elder image of the duke. The medal is now 29 mm smaller and has the usual eye. The stamps of the medals were made by F. Helfricht. For merits in the war of 1870/71, silver staples were granted on the ribbon. On a vertically shaded background, they show annual indicators - 187 0/1 - and have a raised edge. On top are 2 soldered crossed swords. (For non-fighters even without swords) Fastener dimensions 9 mm x 25 mm. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. 3, 1999.

Silver medal with border. An ordinary eye with a ribbon ring is soldered on top.

Front side:

A
• right-facing image of Duke George's chest with a beard.
• On the margins is the inscription: - GEORG - HERZOG - ZU - SACHSEN - MEININGEN -.
• Down the edge is a small - HELFRICHT F. -.

Downside:

In the
• center is a reduced image of an eight-pointed cross for merit,
• The central shield is surrounded by an oak-leafy wreath, in the center is the coat of arms of Saxony.
• On the rim there is an inscription: - FIDELITER - ET - CONSTANTER - a small outlet at the bottom.

Tape:

• purple 26 mm wide, edge 1 mm, green side stripe 4 mm, black dividing line.

.

Obverse: Duke of Saxe-Ernestine's Silver Medal of Merit

Reverse: Duke of Saxe-Ernestine Order of Duke George Silver Medal of Merit

Established:

March 25, 1833 together with the Dukes Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxe-Meiningen

Awarded:

1867 – 1871 1. Form
1871 – 1890 2. Form

Data:

• Material: Silver
• Size: 29mm
• Weight: 15g

estimated collector price:

130 – 150 €
750 - 770 € with belt 1870/1

OEK Number:

2566