Serbia, Kingdom – Order of St. Sava, III. Class Commander, Type I
(Orden Svetog Save, III Klasa Komandor, Tip I, G. A. Scheid, Beč)
Country: Serbia (Kingdom)
Order Name: Order of St. Sava (Orden Svetog Save)
Class: III Class (Commander)
Type: Type I (1883-1903 issue, circa 1890)
Manufacturer: G. A. Scheid of Vienna
Dimensions: 82.67 mm (including crown suspension) x 50.42 mm
Material: Gilded silver with enamel work
Marks:
"G.A.S." (for manufacturer G.A. Scheid of Vienna)
Diana’s Head hallmark (with "A" for Vienna manufacture)
"900" (silver content mark for silver purity)
Design & Features:
Front (Obverse):
Maltese cross with ball finals, arms decorated in light blue and white enamel.
Hand-painted central medallion depicting St. Sava in red robes, surrounded by a blue enamel band inscribed in Cyrillic.
The quadrants between the cross arms contain Serbian double-headed eagles with small heraldic shields.
Back (Reverse):
Central medallion features the year “1883” in raised silver-gilt numbers.
Outer circlet in blue enamel, adorned with gilded laurels.
Crown Suspension:
Hollow swivel crown, linked to the main medal by a pierced ball and swivel round loop.
Ribbon:
Original triangular ribbon in light blue and white, denoting a civil award.
Condition:
Overall Condition: Better than extremely fine.
Preservation: Enamel work and gilding well-preserved, minor aging signs.
Notable Features: Authentic early issue, excellent hand-painted details.
The hallmark on the suspension ring confirms the Austrian manufacture by G.A. Scheid in Vienna. Places the production timeframe between 1883 and 1903 (Type I period). Ensures the high silver purity (900/1000), indicating a premium-quality award.
The Order of St. Sava was established on January 23rd, 1883, to honor contributions to education, science, arts, and social services in the Kingdom of Serbia.