Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of St. Alexander, I Class Grand Cross with Swords

(Орден "Свети Александър"). Instituted in 1881. Type II with Imperial Crown, Military Division. In silver gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 49.8 mm (w) x 95.5 mm (h), chipping evident in the red and green enamelled jewels at the base of the crown, otherwise the enamels are intact, scattered gilt wear, on its original full-length sash incorporating a decorative moiré pattern, 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. The I Class Grand Cross Grade was awarded to senior state officers and military personnel.