Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order Of St. Alexander, Grand Cross Set By Rothe, C. 1910

(Орден "Свети Александър"). Instituted in 1881. Type II. Civil Division. A grand cross in silver gilt, a cross pattee with white enamel arms, the obverse medallion features a central inscription on a red enamelled field with reads ST. ALEXANDER, surrounded by a white ring inscribed GOD WITH US, the reverse presents the date 18 February 1878 on a white enamelled field, the cross is surmounted by an Imperial crown with interior red enamelled cap, measures 54.36mm (w) x 107.50mm (h), weighs 70.5 grams, enamels intact, dark patina on crown, accompanied by a full length sash of the order, in very fine condition. A Breast Star, a silver eight point star with clusters of seven smooth rays, the obverse medallion features a central red enamelled field with inscription ST.ALEXANDER, surrounded by a white enamelled ring inscribed GOD WITH US, with an exterior faceted ring, the reverse presents a single pin assembly marked C.F ROTHE, WIEN, with two A Vienna marks, the base marked with an Austro-Hungarian silver mark denoting manufacture between 1872 to 1922, an A Vienna mark and C.F makers mark, the star measures 85.75mm (w) x 88.5mm (h), weighs 65.8 grams, very dark patina on rays, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This Order was founded by Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria, and he named it to honour St. Alexander Nevsky. In Type II the surmounting Princely crown was replaced with a surmounting Imperial crown. As well, Ferdinand I divided the I Class Grand Cross into two separate grades, Grand Cross with Grand Cross Breast Star and I Class with I Class Breast Star.