Serbia, Kingdom. A Queen Draga Medal, I Class Gold Grade

(Medalja kraljice Drage). Instituted in 1902. Of unofficial, private manufacture, a five-piece construction, in silver gilt with red enamels, the obverse center presents a red enamelled cyrillic "Д" ("D" in English), above the inscription за заслуге (For Merit) is present, the exterior of the badge is wrapped in a laurel wreath, the reverse is plain and - unofficially marked with; an "A" (Vienna), marked with a Diana's head (Dianakopf) hallmark, which was used between 1872 and 1922, the head flanked by the number "2" (.900 silver fineness) on the left and the assay city mark "A" (Vienna) on the right, and maker marked "KF" for Karl Fischmeister, the badge is suspended from a small crown, measuring 33.81mm (w) x 56.35mm (h – inclusive of crown and cross adorned horizontal ball), weighs 19.6mm (including ribbon), worn on a bow ribbon, red enamels intact within the "Д", very light wear, extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a privately manufactured box, composed of wood and red leatherette exterior with paper-covered base, lid marked за заслуге (For Merit) with a large д with a ¾ laurel wreath, interior presents a flat burgundy velvet medal bed, measures 91.31mm (w) x 131.19mm (h) x 24.68mm (d), hinge and clasp in working order, gilt work on exterior lid poorly done, overall near very fine condition.

Footnote: The Queen Draga of Serbia's Decoration was instituted on April 7, 1902. This medal was awarded to ladies for "achieving meritorious charitable work.”