ORDER OF THE CROSS OF TAKOVO (Orden takovskog krsta - Орден таковског крста)
Foundation in 1865
In the scope of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Second anti-Ottoman Uprising started in Takovo Region in Western Serbia by Milosh Obrenovich (1780-1860), the Council of Ministers of the Principality of Serbia has decided on 24 March 1865 to have a cross and a medal struck to commemorate the event. Prince Michael Obrenovich III, son and successor of Prince Milosh, has signed the Decree establishing the Cross and Silver Medal on 22 May 1865.
ДА БЫ СЕ ОДАЛО ДОСТОЙНО УВАЖЕНЪ ЗАСЛУГА ОНЬ ЮНАКА, КОИ СУ УЧАСТВОВАЛИ У РАТОВИМА БЛАЖЕНОПОЧИВШЕГЪ ГОСПОДАРА КНЯЗА МИЛОША ОКО ОСЛОБОЂЕНЯ СРБЇЕ, МИНИСТЕРСКЇЙ
In order to have the merits of those heroes who took part in the wars for the liberation of Serbia with lord Prince Milosh recognized, the Council of Ministers has found it good to have signs of honor established prior to the imminent celebrations of the event otherwise celebrated annually on Palm Sunday. Two decorations have been struck in that purpose: a cross and a silver medal. Ccrosses shall be given to those who participated in the said wars and are still living, and silver medals to the families of those men that have agreed with Prince Milosh on the mutual cause, that have started the war and fought, but have passed away.
Reform of 1876
There is no evidence of bestowals of the Cross of Takovo between the Secont Uprising Jubilee and 1876.
Reform of 1877
Reform of 1878
Changes in 1883 and the foundation of the military division "with swords"
The Law on Orders and Medals of 23 January 1883 confirmed the Order of the Cross of Takovo, which was henceforth to be awarded "for merits to the King, the Royal House and the State". It took precedence after the newly instituted Order of the White Eagle.
The Regulations promulgated on 16 February changed the motto with regards to the spelling of the word "Fatherland" (ОТАЧЕСТВО instead of ОТЕЧАСТВО) and determined that the 3rd, Commander's and the 5th, Chevalier's class have the cipher "MO III" (to commemorate the founder, Prince Michael Obrenovich III), and the other classes "MO IV", the former princely cipher of King Milan I, as regulated in 1878.
The Law instituted the separate division of the Order, "with swords", aimed exclusively for awarding military merits.
