Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of St. Alexander, I Class Grand Cross, c.1910

(Орден "Свети Александър"). Instituted in 1881. Type II with Imperial Crown. In silver gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 51.2 mm (w) x 95 mm (h), intact enamels, on its original full-length sash incorporating a decorative moiré pattern, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of St Alexander was the second highest Bulgarian order during the Kingdom of Bulgaria. It was established by Knyaz Alexander I with a decree on December 25, 1881, named in honour of the patron saint of Alexander Battenberg. Initially it was planned to have five grades and a necklace but subsequently four grades and grand and lesser Necklace were formed, with a Grand Cross being added in 1908. In time, wartime grades with swords in the middle and above the cross were added. The order was awarded to Bulgarian and foreign citizens with the personal benevolence of the Bulgarian monarch, who was the Grand Master. The I Class Grand Cross Grade was awarded to senior state officers and military personnel