Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of St. Alexander, Grand Cross in Diamonds, to Queen Eleonore of Bulgaria

(Орден "Св. Александър") (1881). II (with a so-called "square" tsar's crown) or III model (new tier classification - 1908-1944), set of the 1st tier or the grand cross in diamonds for women, probably made by the Rothe and Nephew company in Vienna 1908, consisting of: a cross in silver, set with a total of approximately 289 white diamond roses (tested) in varying sizes and slightly different colours, the obverse medallion in red enamels with an inscription reading "St. Alexander", the reverse in white enamel arms, the medallion featuring the inscription СБ. НАМИ БОГЪ "God With Us" and the date 18 February 1878, surmounted by a large tsar's crown with a diamond set obverse and silver gilt reverse with a red enamelled internal cap, measures 49.8 mm (w) x 94.25 mm (h - inclusive of crown an integral ring), weighs 83.87 grams, enamels intact, a rare and unique decoration in extremely fine condition. 

Accompanied by the original, narrow, ready-made red silk sash for women. 

Provenance: From the estate of Eleonore [Елеонора], Tsarina of Bulgaria, née Princess Reuß zu Köstritz (1860-1917), since 1908 second wife of Tsar Ferdinand I [Фердинанд I] (1861-1948, reigned as prince in 1887 until 1908 and as Tsar from 1908 to 1918) to his daughter Nadejda [Надежда] (1899-1958), married to Albrecht Eugen, Duke of Württemberg (1895-1954).  Due to the tsar's crown, this set belongs to the 2nd or 3rd model, and therefore, based on various photographs, cannot have belonged to the first wife of Prince/Tsar Ferdinand I, Marie Louise [Мария Луиза], as she was born on the 21st. January 1899, shortly after the birth of her fourth child, Princess Nadejda [Надежда] died. Therefore, only the second wife of Prince Ferdinand I Eleonore [Елеонора], née Princess Reuß zu Köstritz (1860-1917), comes into question as a entrusted person, whom he married on February 28, 1908 while still Prince of Bulgaria Coburg. It was only on September 22nd (July) / October 5th (Greek) 1908 that he assumed the title of Tsar of Bulgaria with the declaration of Bulgaria's independence from the Ottoman Empire. Unfortunately, it was not possible to clarify exactly when Eleonore received this set - whether on the occasion of her wedding or later.  

The accompanying handwritten note assigning the set to Princess Mary of Bulgaria (1870-1899) is incorrect because at the time of her death (1899) the Order's cross was surmounted by a heraldic crown and not the Bulgarian Tsar's crown.

Previously sold by Kunker, November 15 2023, Lot No. 324.