Serbia – Order of the Cross of Takovo (Orden Takovskog Krsta) Commander III Class
Silver Gilt – Enamel – Neck Badge – Original Ribbon
Historical Background:
The Order of the Cross of Takovo (Orden Takovskog Krsta) was established in 1865 by Prince Mihailo Obrenović III of the Principality of Serbia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Second Serbian Uprising against Ottoman rule (1815), which began in Takovo, a symbolically important site in Serbian national history.
This decoration was awarded for civil and military merit, both to Serbs and to foreigners. The order was discontinued in 1903 after the assassination of King Alexander I Obrenović and the fall of the Obrenović dynasty.
Specifications:
Type: Type IV (late issue variant)
Class: Commander (III Class)
Suspension: Crown with laterally-pierced ball suspension, on full-length original neck ribbon
Dimensions: Approx. 71.70 mm (including crown) x 42.98 mm wide
Materials: Silver gilt with red, white, blue, and green enamels
Obverse Center: Features the royal monogram of Prince Mihailo Obrenović IV
Inscription: Cyrillic script: "ЗА ВЕРУ КНЯЗА И ОТЕЧЕСТВО" ("For Faith, Prince, and Fatherland")
Hallmarks and Maker:
Marked on the suspension ring, visible in close-up photos (please refer to images for hallmark details)
Metal content stamp "800" indicating high silver content
Condition:
Enamels: Intact and vibrant across all colored elements
Metalwork: Light patina consistent with age; well-preserved details
Ribbon: Original neck ribbon in very good condition with minor signs of handling
Overall: Near extremely fine, a very well-kept and genuine example of a rare and historic decoration
Collector Significance:
This piece is highly desirable for:
Serbian royal and military order collectors
Enthusiasts of Balkan history and 19th-century independence movements
Specialists in pre-WWI European orders and dynastic medals
Due to its limited issuance and suppression in 1903, authentic Commander-class examples are increasingly hard to find—especially in such complete and well-preserved condition.
Please review all photographs for condition, detail, and authenticity.
Questions welcome – I'm happy to provide additional photos or information on request.