Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of St. Alexander, IV Class Officer's Cross from the Estate of Fritz von Grolmann

(Орден "Свети Александър"). Instituted in 1881. Type II with Imperial Crown and Crossed Swords (1908-1944) , the cross in silver gilt with red and white enamels, the Imperial crown and crossed swords suspension in silver gilt with red, white and green enamels, unmarked, measuring 39 mm (w) x 77 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and crossed swords suspension, pristine with intact enamels, large rosette affixed to its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, better than extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, deep red dimpled exterior, the lid marked with the Imperial crown above the monogram of Tsar Boris III (reign: 1918-1943), inscribed "ОРДЕНЪ СВ. АЛЕКСАНДРБ IV. СТП." and illustrating crossed swords in gold-coloured ink, inside lid in off-white satin with a distinctive moiré, padded and exhibiting the impression of the cross, base with a recessed medal bed in white felt, measuring 69.5 mm (w) x 131 mm (h) x 26.2 mm (d), exhibiting tiny wear spots in two corners on the bottom, along with light soiling in the white felt of the medal bed, case near extremely fine.

Footnotes:

1. The Order of St Alexander was the second highest Bulgarian order during the Kingdom of Bulgaria. It was established by Knyaz (Prince) 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.

2. This particular IV Class Officer's cross comes from the estate of Fritz von Grolmann (born January 10, 1890 in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany).