Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of St. Alexander, Silver Merit Cross with Crown, c.1900

(Орден "Свети Александър"). Instituted in 1881. Type II with Imperial Crown. In silver, measuring 36.5 mm (w) x 67.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, very light contact, on its original triangular ribbon with hook but missing its eye, near 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.