Ribbon Bar ID Help Needed

[Indyarch]

I need some of you guy's expert opinions to help ID the award represented on of the ribbon bar below.

Obviously, there is an EKII. The other ribbon looks like those of the House Order of Saxe Ernestine. Could this be a Cross of Merit w/swords???

Also, I believe that the hilts of the swords are always mounted at the bottom so the swords point upwards. Is this correct? That would make this a Prussian with a Saxon award.

Let me know yout thoughts on the ribbon and the swords postion. Thanks,

[Indyarch]

The Reverse

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[gregM]

I think you called it correctly.

[saschaw]

Without any long service award I think it's more likely a knight's cross 2nd class to a junior officer.
But: why to a Prussian? Didn't get the point you made regarding this and I cannot see any reason for what we can recognize here if he's a Prussian or from Thuringia.

[Indyarch]

Yes, true. Not neccessarily a Prussian.

Was trying to verify the swords placement. If they point up, then the EKII is in first position, thus indicating he was not a Saxon (for then the Saxon order would come first). Correct?

[saschaw]

Ah, that was your point...

Well, we're not talking about the Kingdom of Saxony but about the smaller Saxon Principals. Those wore their awards in the common way, if I remember correctly: with the EK II in 1st position. So no way to tell...