Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order Of St. Alexander, I Class Grand Cross, By C. F. Rothe, C.1900

(Орден ""Свети Александър""). Instituted in 1881 by King Alexander I. Type I. 1890-1908 issue. A sash badge in silver gilt, consisting of an enameled white Pattêe Cross with gilded edges, obverse centre featuring a red enameled background with stylized inscription reading “St. Alexander”, surrounded by the motto СЪ НАМИ БОГЪ (God with us), reverse centre in white enamels inscribed 19 ФЕВРАЛЪ 1878 (18 February 1878), the date of the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano, surmounted by a very detailed royal crown with enameled details, hallmarked twice by Austro-Hungarian hallmark denoting silver fineness of .800 with the letter A for Vienna between 1867-1922, marked twice by maker’s mark “FR” for C. F. Rothe, Wien, measuring 53.95 mm (w) x 103.05 mm (h - inclusive of royal crown and maltese cross), presenting minor stained enamels and lost of gilt, suspended by original sash ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: This Order was founded by Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria, and he named it to honour St. Alexander Nevsky. The Order was awarded by the Bulgarian sovereign to Bulgarians and foreign citizens in recognition of loyal service within civil and military spheres that benefited Bulgaria and the Monarch.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.