Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of St. Alexander Officer IV Class

Instituted in 1881. In silver with red and white enamels, cross in white enamel, obverse centrepiece shows stylized inscription with the name of the order surrounded by a ring with the inscription “СЪ НАМИ БОГЪ”, reverse shows the date “19 ФЕВРАЛЪ 1878” on a white background, inclusive of royal crown suspension 75.7 mm (h) x 39 mm (w), on triangle ribbon with rosette, near mint condition. Housed in its hardshelled case of issue, deep red exterior with black bottom, lid marked with the Imperial crown surmounting the monogram of Tsar Ferdinand I and inscribed "ОРДЕНЪ СВ. АЛЕКСАНДРБ IV. СТП." in gold-coloured ink, 137.4 mm (l) x 63 mm (w) x 26.2 mm (h), very fine condition. 

Footnote: 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.