Serbia, Kingdom. An Order Of The Star Of Karageorge, Iv Class Knight, Model I Without Swords, C.1915

(Orden Karađorđeve zvezde). Instituted in 1904. Multi-piece construction, French-made, in bronze gilt with red, white and blue enamels, unmarked, measuring 37.8 mm (w) x 57.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, original triangular civil ribbon with hook and eye, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Star of Karageorge was established in 1904 by King Peter I, for outstanding civil or military merit, initially awarded exclusively to Serbian citizens in return for services rendered to the Serbian monarchy, the Serb people and the Serbian state, though it is now bestowed upon Serbs and non-Serbs alike. During the Balkan Wars and the First World War, the Order was mostly awarded for acts of bravery on the battlefield. The post-war Kingdom of Yugoslavia retained the Order, and it was awarded by the Yugoslav government-in-exile until the end of the Second World War, in some cases to individuals who collaborated with the Axis powers. Following the war, the monarchy was outlawed and a communist government came to power. Along with other monarchist symbols, the Order was suppressed during the administration of Josip Broz Tito, and replaced with communist decorations such as the Order of the People's Hero.