Montenegro, Kingdom. An Order of Danilo, IV Class Knight, by Vladimirov P.F., c.1900

(Орден Књаза Данила I). Instituted in 1853. Type II. 1893-1918 Issue. Of fine Russian manufacture, in silver, featuring a blue enamelled cross pattée alisée with white and red enamel borders, obverse centre presents a dark red enamelled circular central medallion bearing the applied crowned cipher of Prince Danilo in hand etched Gold, circumscribed by КНЯЗЪ ЦРНОГОРСКІИ (Prince of Montenegro) within a white enamelled ring with a scallop-edged silver gilt border, reverse centre presents a dark red enamelled central medallion with the date 1852-3 applied in hand etched Gold circumscribed in Gold by ЗА НЕЗАВИСИМОСТЪ ЦРНЕ ГОРЕ (For the Independence of Montenegro) within a white enamel ring with a scallop-edged silver gilt border, hallmarked on on both the suspension ring and link ring with the number 84 and Cyrillic initials ПФ for Vladimirov P.F., adorned by hand carved silver gilt crown with hand etched detailing, measuring 39.44 mm (w) x 62.44 mm (h - inclusive of Imperial Crown with horizontally pierced ball suspension adorned by cross), weighing 25.1 grams, on loop for suspension from mid 20th Century ribbon, in overall better than very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Danilo I was the first Montenegrin dynastic and state Order established by Prince Danilo Petrović Njegoš in 1853, for the Independence of Montenegro in 1852-1853. Alterations were made to the appearance of the original decoration created by Prince Danilo, and during the rule of His Majesty King Nikola I Petrović Njegoš, the Order underwent two restructures. During the first restructure in 1861, three classes were introduced, while in the second restructure, from 1873, an additional class was added, so that not only is there a star in the 1st class but also a 2nd class with star was introduced. By 1922, the order consisted of five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. More changes occurred and today's five classes are: Grand Cross 1st Class, Grand Officer 2nd Class, Knight Commander 3rd Class, Knight 4th Class and Member 5th Class. This decoration is still awarded to prominent champions of the preservation of Montenegrin independence and, as indicated above, for other humanitarian, scientific, artistic and pro-social achievements pursuant to the conditions by which the Order is awarded were defined by statute. 

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.