Bulgaria, Principality. An Order of St. Alexander, I Class Set with Swords, by Rothe

 Instituted December 21, 1881. Type II with Imperial Crown. Military Division. A silver gilt Maltese cross in patterned green enamels, with die struck swords, obverse centre presenting the crowned Bulgarian Lion on red enamel background, with white enamel surround with motto СЪ НАМИ БОГЪ (God with us) with laurel wreaths below, reverse centre in white enamel with inscription 19 ФЕВРАЛЪ 1878 (18 February 1878), the date of the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano, adorned by large crown with interior red enamels and decorative enameled jewels, measuring 49.3 mm (w) x 92.9 mm (h - inclusive of crown with horizontally pierced ball suspension with cross), worn on a replacement sash, enamels intact, light gilt wear, remains in extremely fine condition. 

The Star of the Order, in silver, an eight point star with smooth rays, the obverse medallion featuring the crowned Bulgarian Lion on red enamel background, with white enamel surround with motto СЪ НАМИ БОГЪ (God with us) with laurel wreaths below, silver gilt cross swords sit on the arms and pierce the medallion, the reverse offers a vertical pin assembly, pin marked ROTHE WIEN and A denoting Austrian manufacture by Rothe, the base of the star is marked 800 and with an Austrian Hungary Dianakopf denoting 800 silver fineness and Austrian manufacture between 1872-1922, measures 80.9 mm (w) x 83.7 mm (h), weighs 57.3 grams, enamels intact and pristine, a beautiful and scarce star in extremely fine condition.