(Orden takovskog krsta - Орден таковског крста). Instituted 1865 as commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Serbia from Ottoman rule. Abolished 1903. Milan Obrenović Issue (1868-1889). An early Mayer’s sample of excellent quality manufacture in silver gilt, consisting of a ball-tipped enameled white Maltese Cross, with gilded crossed saltire cross in each quadrant, surmounted by typical Serbian principality Crown with finely enameled details, the obverse superposed by cypher of Milan Obrenović IV with enameled red background, surrounded by an enameled blue ribbon inscribed cyrilic Order’s motto (For FAITH, PRINCE AND FATHERLAND), as well as by an enameled green laurel wreath, the reverse with a highly detailed engraved Serbian principality coat of arms, measuring 34.98 mm (w) x 59.31 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), ring marked by maker’s mark of V. Mayer, one of the best jeweller's workshops in Vienna, famous producers of orders and decorations throughout Europe, with toned silver and decay enamel, suspended by original triangular ribbon with hook and catch, very good condition; accompanied by a hard-structure red case with corrugated surfaces, exterior lid stamped by gilded Serbian principality coat of arms, with black bottom surface, the interior lid with a jewelry gilded maker’s label on white silk, the medal bed with sloped shape in black cotton, light contact, with minor stains, the push button is functional, good condition.
Footnote: The Order of the Takovo Cross was an Order of Merit of the Principality and later the Kingdom of Serbia. It was founded on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire. The Order is named after the place Takovo where it was the final battle. It ceased to exist following the fall of the Obrenovich dynasty in 1903.