Order of the White Eagle, Type III, Military Division, I Class
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.SRB.0101.401.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Grand Cross badge with Swords (Military Division), in silver gilt and enamels, 40mm, excellent quality and condition, extremely fine; with original tattered sash ribbon, full length, in worn condition; and within fitted case of issue, inside marked Huguenin Frères, Swiss (case about very fine condition); star is missing. A very scarce Serbian grand cross decoration.
The Order of the White Eagle was introduced by King Milan I on January 23, 1883 (Russian method of dating) to commemorate the restoration of the kingdom of Serbia, proclaimed on February 22, 1882 in Belgrade. The Order was designed by historian Stojan Novakovich, who combined two medieval royal symbols of Serbia: the double-headed white eagle (1309-19) and the red escutcheon with the white cross (1402).
The Order was established with five classes awarded in recognition of "services rendered to the King, the Royal Household, and the State in all branches of the national administration or public life." Starting in Class V, this Order was awarded by classes, recipients should remain in a specific class at least two years before the next class could be awarded. It was conferred to military personnel as well as civilians, and to nationals and foreigners alike. In 1915, the decorations with swords were added to honor Officers of the Serbian Army for merits in the battle field. The Order had no motto.
The Serbian system of decoration was completely reorganized by Peter I Karageorgevich once he assumed the throne following the May Coup of 1903. By then, the reverse medallion of the Order was modified. In 1941, the Order was dissolved along with the capitulation of the Yugoslav Kingdom.
In Medalbook, this order is classified into three types. Type I contains the civil awards granted before 1903, and Type II consists of the civil awards granted afterwards. Type III presents the insignia with sword, introduced since 1915.
In Type III, the Swords were introduced by King Peter I Karageorgevich on May 28, 1915. They were added to reward Officers, whether Serbian or foreign, in recognition of services rendered in wartime. Many Officers of the Allied Army were awarded with Swords. The I Class with Swords Of the White Eagle was placed following the Order of the Star of Karageorge with Swords in order of precedence.
The first badges with Swords were made by Arthus-Bertrand during WWI. After the war, the badge was manufactured also by Huguenin Freres, Rothe & Neffer, and Fran Sorlini, among others. The swords were applied to the blue bands of the badges. Version features vary; the quality, materials and sizes are different depending on the manufacturer. Many pieces from the previous period were used to add swords.
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