SERBIA – Medal for Bravery (1912 Type)
Description
SERBIA – Medal for Bravery (1912 Type)
(Медаља за храброст – “Women’s Medal”)
The Medal for Bravery was instituted on 14 November 1912 by King Peter I of Serbia during the First Balkan War. It was awarded to officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted men who distinguished themselves through acts of personal courage and gallantry in combat. The decoration was issued in both Gold and Silver classes and remained in use for only a short period before being replaced by a redesigned model in 1913.
The medal is known among collectors as the “Women’s Medal” because its obverse depicts an allegorical female representation of Serbia rather than a military figure. Although artistically successful, the design proved unpopular among many Serbian officers, who felt that a bravery decoration should bear a more martial image. As a result, the medal was superseded in 1913 by the famous Miloš Obilić Medal for Bravery. Due to its brief period of issue, the 1912 type is considerably scarcer than its successor.
Description
Circular silver medal suspended from a red Serbian triangular ribbon. The obverse bears the left-facing bust of an allegorical female figure representing Serbia, surrounded by the inscription “KRALJEVINA СРБИЈА” (“Kingdom Serbia”). The reverse displays the inscription “ЗА ХРАБРОСТ” (“For Bravery”) within a laurel wreath above the royal coat of arms of the Kingdom of Serbia.
The simple yet distinctive design reflects the patriotic spirit of the Balkan Wars and represents one of the most unusual bravery medals of the early twentieth century.
Condition
Very Fine; attractive silver patina; details well preserved; original ribbon present with moderate wear and minor fraying; suspension intact. A desirable and historically important Serbian gallantry award, notable for its short period of issue and subsequent replacement by the Miloš Obilić design.
