Serbia, Kingdom. Order of St. Sava, III Class Commander, III Model (1921-1941), Cased

(Orden Svetog Save). Instituted in 1883. Saint in Green Robes. Multi-piece construction, in silver gilt with blue, white and red enamels, enamelled centrepiece rings, painted obverse centrepiece, dated "1883" on the reverse centrepiece, unmarked, measuring 51 mm (w) x 86.7 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, repair evident in the blue enamels on the tips of the arms at 6 and 9 o'clock on the obverse, with light crazing also present on the former, original neck ribbon in two pieces and missing one tie, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, the lid marked "CB. CABA III." (St. Sava III Class) in gold-coloured ink, inside lid in white cloth, padded and maker marked "KOVNICA SORLINI VARAŽDIN", base with a recessed medal bed in navy blue felt, measuring 97.5 mm (w) x 160 mm (h) x 36 mm (d), one prominent soiling mark on the lid, light wear overall on the exterior, the interior pristine, case 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.