Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order Of Saint Alexander, I Class Grand Cross With Swords, By C.f. Rothe C.1940

(Орден "Свети Александър). Instituted 25 December 1881. Type II. Wartime issued. Of high quality manufacture in bronze gilt, the badge is consisting of a finely enameled green Cross Pattée, with crossed gilded swords in each quadrant, surmounted by large partially enameled papal crown also in bronze gilt, the obverse with a central red enameled medallion featuring the name of the order in gilt Cyrillic lettering, surrounded by an enameled white border inscribed the motto “СЪ НАМИ БОГЪ” (“GOD WITH US”) also in gilt Cyrillic lettering, the reverse with an enameled white central medallion presenting the gilt Cyrillic inscription “19 ФЕВРАЛЪ 1878” (“19 FEBRUARY 1878”), measuring 51.56 mm (w) x 91.97 mm (h - inclusive of surmounted crown), on replacement sash ribbon, with minor cracks on the white enamel, extremely fine. Accompanied by the breast star of the Order, a smooth multirayed eight armed star in silver, the obverse with centrepiece in bronze gilt depicting a superposed gilded Bulgarian lion, on an enameled red background, encircled by an enameled green border inscribed Cyrillic motto СЪ НАМИ БОГЪ (God with us) with laurel wreaths below, encircled by beaded gilded and silver outsider rings, reverse with pin assembly marked WIEN (Vienna) and maker marked C.F. ROTHE on the pin, measuring 81.59 mm (w) x 83.10 mm (h), minor toned silver, extremely 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. In 1886 crossed swords were added to the Order awards to reward wartime merit, and courageous acts rendered in peacetime. The crossed swords for wartime merit were added through the centre of the cross, while the swords for peacetime courage were added to the surmounting suspension ring. The Order was discontinued on June 15, 1948.