|
Silvered bronze cross pattée on scroll and laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with a circular central medallion inscribed ‘СВ АЛЕКСАНДЪРЪ’ (St Alexander) within a circular ring inscribed ‘СЪ НАМИ БОГЪ’ (God is with us); the reverse with a circular central medallion inscribed with the date ’19 ФЕВРАЛЖ 1878’ (19 February 1878) within a ring; age oxidisation marks round the edges; on replaced correct ribbon. The Order of St Alexander was instituted on 25 December 1881 to be awarded to both military and civilians. Initially, there were five classes and a silver medal, as in this example. In 1888, the silver medal became the VI class of the Order. The date ‘19 February 1878’ is effectively that of the independence of the principality of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. The Order was suppressed at the end of World War II by the incoming Communist regime.
|
