Order of St. Alexander, Type II, Civil Division, Grand Cross in Diamonds
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.BGR.0103.303.01.001
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
(Орден "Свети Александър"). Type II (1908-1946). Civil Division. An illustrious and rare Grand Cross in silver, gold and diamonds. The obverse presents a cross, with each arm’s interior set with 12 large rose cut diamonds, the obverse center presents a red enamelled field with a golden inscription translating to “St. Alexander”, surrounded by a ring of 20 large diamonds, surmounted by a large imperial crown completely set with diamonds, with internal red enamelled cap, all diamonds on the obverse are rose cut genuine Diamonds, ranging in sizes up to approximately 0.50 carats, the reverse of the cross is made of 14kt Gold with white enamelled arms, the reverse medallion presents a white enamel field inscribed “18 February 1878”, surrounded by a white enamelled ring inscribed “God With Us”, the reverse of the crown is in gold, pendalia and suspension ring in gold, the reverse ring atop the crown is marked with an Imperial Austrian hallmark for 14 Kt. Gold, Vienna proof mark (A) and maker's mark “FR” for Rothe, Wien, the cross is also marked on the top of the suspension ring with a swan (denoting a piece made from silver, imported from countries without trading contract to France, since 1893), and French Gold Import hallmark clamshell with an interior ‘a’ denoting .585 Gold used post 1838, and additional Vienna proof mark (A) on the side of the ring, measures 54.45mm (width of the cross) x 113.10mm (h – inclusive of crown suspension and decorative integral suspension ring), weighs 101.6 grams, the total weight of the diamonds is approximately 10 carats, overall displaying only slight wear, no chipping to enamels, and dark patina to the silver and all diamonds intact.
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.
In 1888 an official Decree was passed which added the IV Class silver cross, the Grand Master’s Collar, and the Lesser Collar. This Decree also amended the upper classes, allowing the Monarch to confer them with diamonds as a sign of his favour and to recognize special merit.
The Order was discontinued on June 15, 1948.
The obverse features inscriptions which translate to "God with Us", and in the centre of the medallion “St. Alexander”.
The reverse features an inscription which translates to "18 February 1878".
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.
The Grand Cross and Grand Cross Breast Star retained the design of the I Class Grand Cross set, while the I Class Cross was given green enamel, and the I Class Breast Star had the centre medallion inscription replaced with a crowned lion. Ferdinand I also made changes to the III Class, changing the enamel colour to green, and replacing the centre medallion inscription with a crowned lion.
The last design alteration in Type II occurred during the Regents' Rule, wherein the lions on the obverse of the I Class Breast Star and III Class had their crowns removed.
The Grand Cross was awarded to high ranking personnel within the clergy and military, important political individuals, and foreign heads of state.
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