German States: Orders and Decorations. Saxony. Duchy Saxon-Ernestine House Order. 2nd model (without ciphers on the upper cross arm - 1864-1935). Commander's Cross for military merit (with laurel wreath) without swords, blue and gilt enamel, 86 mm, 38.2 g, with old, but later, partly lightened neck ribbon cut on reverse. Very Fine. Estimated Value $2,000 - UP
The order's statutes of December 25, 1833, in article 14 clearly define that the insignia conferred for military merit should bear laurel wreaths around the center and crossed swords through the center. Despite this prescription, in all classes some insignia for military merit were conferred only with laurel wreath, but without crossed swords through the center. There is no prescriptive evidence for this practice. It can only be speculated that these crosses from an unknown date were conferred upon commissioned officers who did not win it for service in direct war action.