Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order Of St. Alexander, V Class Knight, C.1900

(Орден "Свети Александър"). Instituted in 1881. Type II. In silver with red and white enamels, measuring 38.2 mm (w) x 44.3 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, tiny chip evident in the white enamels on the obverse centrepiece ring, scuffing present on the white enamels on the arms at 6 and 9 o'clock on the reverse, original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, Imperial crown and inscribed "ОРДЕНЪ СВ. АЛЕКСАНДЪР V. C." on the lid, handwritten naming on the bottom, inside lid in white cloth and padded, base with a recessed medal bed in black felt, soiling and scuffing evident on the exterior, case fine.

Footnote: The Order of St Alexander was the second highest Bulgarian order during the Kingdom of Bulgaria. It was established by Knyaz Alexander I with a decree on December 25, 1881, named in honour of the patron saint of Alexander Battenberg. Initially it was planned to have five grades and a necklace but subsequently four grades and grand and lesser Necklace were formed, with a Grand Cross being added in 1908. In time, wartime grades with swords in the middle and above the cross were added. The order was awarded to Bulgarian and foreign citizens with the personal benevolence of the Bulgarian monarch, who was the Grand Master.