Awards of Germany - Cross of Merit of the Saxon Union of Warriors of Coburg-Gotha

The Merit Cross presented here was donated at an unknown time, presumably around 1921, by the Coburg-Gotha Union of Saxony Warriors. The foundation was created with the consent of Duke Charles Edward as patron of the association. Unfortunately, so far nothing is known about the requirements for the award, or about the award ceremony itself. The cross is extremely rare. The Nimmergut publication refers to the neck cross. However, the specimen shown here is on the order buckle and is still only the second known cross. Based on the rarity and importance of the buckle, it can be assumed that the award was given only to single or very few highly merited members or eminently merited individuals. I would appreciate further information.

An eight-pointed cross made of gilded copper alloy with an enameled front side. Front and back with a round medallion worn. On the tips of the cruciform hands are small balls. Between the tips of the upper cruciform shoulder there is a parallel eye with an elongated belt ring.

Front side:

• The cruciform arms are maroon golden and enameled white.
• A medallion with a wide border, consisting of a golden burgundy and green enameled laurel wreath.
In
• a graduated midfield, a blue enameled ring.
• Gilded in it, deepens the right-facing portrait of the Duke.
• On the blue ring there is an inscription: - ° - CARL - EDWARD - HERZOG - V - SACHSEN - COBURG - U - GOTHA - ° -.

Downside:

• The cross shoulders are smooth gilded with raised edges.
• Enamel-free medallion. The margin consists of bay leaves.
In
• a layered midfield there is a font ring with raised edges and a finely pointed coating.
• Increases on it at the top - FOR - MERIT -.
In
• a smooth gilded center, the crowned cipher is CE.

Tape:

Half green and white.

.