Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order Of St. Alexander, I Class Grand Cross Case

(Орден "Свети Александър"). Instituted in 1881. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, the exterior with a red pebbled fabric covering on five sides and a black fabric bottom, the lid bearing the Bulgarian coat-of-arms surmounted by the Imperial Crown and inscribed "ВЕЛИКЪ КРЪСТЬ НА ЦАРСКИЯ ОРДЕНЪ СВ. АЛЕКСАНДРЪ", with two handwritten inscriptions in black ink, "Bulgarien" (Bulgarian in German) and the number "18", above and below the arms respectively, inside lid lined in white satin and padded, the lining exhibiting the impressions of the once present Badge and Breast Star of the Order, a white cardboard insert placed within the white lacquer-finished base and housing a raised platform in black felt with a recessed medal bed and slotted medal bed for the Badge and Breast Star respectively, dual-hinged, dual-swing hook closure, measuring 122 mm (w) x 272 mm (h) x 56 mm (d), light soiling evident on the exterior, with one interruption in the red pebbled fabric covering on the left side of the base, light soiling present in the white lacquer-finished base and in the fabric overlying the hinged area, better than very 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.