Saxe-Altenburg, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Silver Merit Medal United Republic of clasp bearing a sword penetrating

clasp bearing a sword penetrating a gear affixed to the upper

1) A gilded bronze badge consisting of a single fouled anchor surmounted by a striped shield

Poellath Schrobenhausen”

Traditionally Austrian (and most other European Sovereigns) would often award most loyal and close associates

Saxe-Altenburg, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Silver Merit Medal United Republic of clasp bearing a sword penetrating(Silberne Verdienstmedaille des Sachsen Ernestinischen Hausorden). Instituted 25 December 1833. (1908 1918 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a central Maltese Cross bearing a wreathed Saxon coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER (FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST), the reverse with a leftward facing profile of Duke Ernst II circumscribed by name and title, the