This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Orden Svetog Save). Type II (1903-1921). Of French manufacture, in silver gilt maltese cross with blue and white enamelled arms ending in ball finials, with double-headed crowned eagles in each quadrant, surmounted by a Royal Crown, centre obverse presents an oval medallion with a hand-painted Saint in a red robe on a white enamel background, in a blue enamel surround with the inscription троvломb сконмb вbса прнобрвте (One's Own Work Achieves All), reverse centre bears 1882 inscription created by thin strands of gilded silver, (Note: As this order was founded in 1883, the existence of the date 1882 on the reverse most likely indicates an error by the unknown French manufacturer of this badge. Similar errors are occasionally seen with other orders, usually those made by foreign producers. One other remote possibility is that this may be a prototype of the Order produced before the Order was introduced in 1883, which would explain the roughness of the construction of numerals) in a blue surround with a decorative laurel branch design, marked with a French boar’s head on the 12 o’clock suspension denoting a silver fineness of 800 between 1838-1962, measures 39mm (w) x 64mm (h- inclusive of crown suspension with cross adorned integral ball), small cracks and chips to enamel on both obverse and reverse, gilt of obverse inscription worn, heavy gilt wear, obverse medallion has been reattached, dark patina, on replacement ribbon, better than fine condition.
Footnote: Following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, the National Assembly proclaimed the country to be a kingdom on February 12, 1882. The laws, which included the creation of the Order of St. Sava were passed 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.
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.