Awards of Germany - Silver Medal of the Order of the Saxe-Ernestine House of 1871

The silver medal "For Merit" of the Order of the Saxe-Ernestine House was established on December 25, 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg and was originally also awarded only in silver. The first form depicting Duke Frederick was granted only in silver. They still had a wide ironing eye for pulling tape. Under Ernst I, silver medals began to be awarded in 1870. The Silver Medal of Merit shown here is the 1st double beard variant and was issued only from 1871 to 1891. From 1891, the stamps of the front side were changed and now depicted the duke only with a one-sided beard in the foreground. In 1871, ribbon braces were donated in 1870/1 with and without swords. The seal of the medal was carved by Professor Ferdinand Helfricht. The Order of the Saxe-Ernestine House was established on March 25, 1833 jointly by the Dukes Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Ernst of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxe-Meiningen. Initially consisted of 4 classes (Big Cross, Komtur 1st and 2nd. class, as well as knights). They were accompanied by a silver cross for merit and silver medals for merit. While the number of first classes was limited, related merit medals could be awarded unlimited. At least 2 ducal houses had to agree to the award. After taking office, Duke Ernst II. The last time the front parts were changed. Source: Nemmergut, German Orders and Insignia until 1945, vol. III, 1999.

Round silver medal with raised border. Above is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• On the margins is the inscription: - ERNST - HERZOG - ZU - SACHSEN - ALTENBURG -.
In the
• center is a portrait of the duke with a double beard.
• Under the neck is a small section of the stamp cutter - HELFRICHT F. -

Downside:

• On the rim there is an inscription: - FIDELITER - ET - CONSTANTER - a five-petal outlet at the bottom.
• Mittig zooms in on the back of the merit cross without a writing ring.
(Oak
• wreath medallion, inside Saxon coat of arms with diamond crown.)

Tape:

• purple 26 mm wide, edges 1 mm, side stripes green 3 mm, black dividing line.

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