BULGARIA -Royal Order of St. Alexander, IV class, Tsar issue, 1908-1944 Original
Original, Vintage–Royal Order of St. This white enamel cross pattée (39mm), without military swords, is on an ornate swivel crown suspension with flying pendelia (tassels). It measures 39 mm (w) x 69mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension. It is in extremely fine condition. The cross is silver gilt with red and white enamels, and has an imperial crown suspension. The obverse, a circular central red enamel medallion, has inscribed in gilt letters’?????????????’ (St Alexander) within a circular white enamel ring with gilt letters’??????????’ (God is with us). The reverse, a circular central white enamel medallion, has inscribed gilt letters with the date’19??????? 1878′ (19 February 1878) within a silver gilt ring. The date’19 February 1878′ is effectively that of the independence of the principality of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. The Order was instituted on 25 December 1881 to be awarded to both military (with swords) and civilians. This example dates from after the declaration of the Kingdom in 1908. The Order was suppressed in 1944 and is relatively rare. The ribbon with hook and eye shows no visible wear and may be a correct replacement. It is in excellent condition and comes with its hard-shelled case of issue. The case is of red exterior. The lid is marked with the Imperial crown and inscribed???????? . Inside lid is in white satin with a distinctive moiré and padded, base with a recessed bed in black felt. Case is in extremely fine condition. Footnote: The Order of St Alexander was the second highest Bulgarian order during the Kingdom of Bulgaria. This is from my personal collection.