Montenegro. An Order of Danilo I, Commander, by V.Mayer, c.1900
Орден Књаза Данила I. Instituted in 1853. 2nd Model (1861-1918). In silver with red, white and blue enamels, centrepieces with the cypher and lettering in Gold, crown and loop also in Gold, weighing 46.7 grams, maker marked "VM" (Vincent Mayer's Söhne) and hallmarked with a wolf's head flanked by an "A" (Vienna Assay Office) on the left and the number "4" (14K Gold) on the right, 50.5 mm (w) x 74.2 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, tiny chips in the white enamels on the obverse arm at 3 o'clock and on the reverse arm at 12 o'clock, on its full-length neck ribbon, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, Montenegro coat-of-arms on the lid, maker marked "V. MAYER's FILS VIENNE" on the inside lid, recessed medal bed, case also extremely fine.
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.