Serbia, Kingdom. An Order of Takovo, Grand Cross, by Rothe, c.1880

(Редак Таково). Instituted 1865. 1st Model (1878-1882). Designed by Anastas Jovanovic. Sash badge of the order in silver gilt, consisting of a gilt Saltire Cross together with a white enameled Maltese cross with ball finials, with encompassing green enameled laurels, obverse centre presenting the crowned royal cypher of Milan Obrenović IV on red enamel background, blue enamel ribbon surround with cyrillic motto FOR FAITH PRINCE AND FATHERLAND, reverse centre presents the Coat of arms of the Principality of Serbia in silver on red enamel background, with ornate royal crown in pleasing enamels with hand painted details, measuring 41 mm (w) x 69 mm (h - inclusive of crown and horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by cross), with ornate elongated loop, on period silk sash, with minor enamel loss, near extremely fine. Accompanied by the impressive star of the order, an eight pointed convex silver star with obverse centre presenting a gilt Saltire Cross together with a white enameled Maltese cross with ball finials, with encompassing green enameled laurels, obverse centre presenting the crowned royal cypher of Milan Obrenović IV on red enamel background, blue enamel ribbon surround with cyrillic motto FOR FAITH PRINCE AND FATHERLAND, reverse with pin assembly, marked C.F.Rothe Wien, measuring 86 mm (w) x 95.5 mm (h), enamel loss to laurels and ribbon, missing single nut from screw post, very fine.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.