Serbia, Kingdom. An Order of the White Eagle, V Class Knight with Swords, by Huguenin Freres & Co., c.1918

(Orden Belog Orla). Instituted in 1883. Type II (1903-1941). In silver gilt with red, white and blue enamels, "1882" reverse, measuring 34 mm (w) x 72.7 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and crossed swords suspension, chipping evident in the blue enamels on the ribbon banner and in the red enamels on the oval centrepiece on the reverse, original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, near very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, white pebbled exterior, inscribed in Serbian "БЕЛИ ОРАО V." (White Eagle, V Class) on the lid, maker marked "HUGUENIN FRERES & CO. MEDAILLEURS LE LOCLE (SUISSE)" in French and Serbian on the white satin inside lid, white felt recessed medal bed, measuring 65 mm (w) x 127 mm (h) x 21.5 mm (d), soiling and wear present on the exterior, fraying evident in the fabric overlying the hinged area, case fine.

Footnote: The Order of the White Eagle was a Royal Order in the Kingdom of Serbia (1883-1918) and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918-1945). King Milan I of Serbia instituted the Order of the White Eagle on January 23, 1883, concurrently with the Order of St. Sava. The Order had five classes and was conferred on Serbian and Yugoslav citizens for achievements in peace or war, or for special merits to the Crown, the state and nation. In the period between 1883 and 1898, the Order of the White Eagle was the highest award in the Kingdom of Serbia. In 1898, the Royal Order of Miloš the Great took precedence over the White Eagle and in 1904 the former was replaced by the Order of the Karađorđe's Star.