Serbia, Kingdom. An Order of the Cross of Takovo, IV Class Officer in Case, by Rothe, c.1900

(Orden Takovskog Krsta). Instituted in 1865. In bronze gilt with red, white, blue and green enamels, cypher of Mihailo Obrenović III on the obverse, measuring 35 mm (w) x 57.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, light crazing evident in the white enamels on the arm at 12 o'clock on the obverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, Serbian coat-of-arms on the lid, maker marked "ROTHE KOHLMARKT 7 WIEN" on the white satin inside lid, black velvet recessed medal bed, lightly soiled exterior, scuffed on the bottom, case very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Cross of Takovo was instituted in the Principality of Serbia in 1865 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire, which had started in Takovo, Serbia. The decree that established the Cross and Silver Medal was signed on May 22, 1865 by Mihailo Obrenović III, Prince of Serbia. The Order was suppressed in 1903.