Serbia, Kingdom. An Order Of St. Sava, Iii Class Commander, By The Sorlini Mint, C.1910

(Orden Svetog Save). Instituted in 1883. Type II, I Pattern (1903-1921). Saint in Red Robes. In silver gilt with blue, white and red enamels, image of the Saint in Red Robes on the central white enamelled oval disk, dated "1883" on the reverse, measuring 48.8 mm (w) x 88.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, chipping and repair evident in the blue enamels on all four arms on both the obverse and reverse, original frayed neck ribbon, better than fine. Hardshelled case of issue, wooden-framed, marked in Serbian "CB. CABA III." (St. Sava III Class) on the lid, maker marked in Croatian "KOVNICA SORLINI VARAŽDIN" (Sorlini Mint in Varaždin) on the white cloth inside lid, raised platform with a navy blue felt recessed medal bed, dual-hinged, measuring 95 mm (w) x 158 mm (d) x 35.7 mm (h), wear and spotting evident on the exterior, the interior pristine, case near very fine.

Footnote: The Order of St. Sava was a decoration of the Kingdom of Serbia established by Milan I on January 23, 1883. The Order of Saint Sava was established originally to recognize civilians for meritorious achievements to the Church, to arts and sciences, the royal house and the state. In 1914, a change was made permitting military personnel to receive the honour for military merit. The Order of St Sava was then awarded by the King of Yugoslavia until the abolishment of the monarchy in 1945. It was awarded in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.