A complete, Grand Master’s Collar of the Order in Gold and Diamonds, composed by 24 links in the form of four spreading, red enameled flames, bearing alternately the golden fleur-de-lys; the golden Bulgarian Lion with enameled shield and the white enameled crowned monarch’s monogram; green enameled eyelets and grooved connection rings; to the centre link is suspended a “seraphim” with red enameled
wings and applied face in the finest enamel miniature, suspension chains with rings of square section and a further, similar chain to which the Order’s badge has to be suspended; the collar links’ reverse, with light engravings in the motive of the flames; Collar’s badge with Diamonds in Gilt Silver: pale blue enameled cross with red
enameled “flames” superimposed by diamond-set fleurs-de-lys, each fixed by two rivets visible on the reverse side; the centre with dark blue enameled motto, finely enamel painted medallion; the reverse with red enameled gold centre superimposed by the royal cipher, gold outer circlet with dark blue enameled inscription, smooth, flattened suspension ring. An insignia of the highest rarity and historical importance, in almost pristine condition.
A beautiful and rare collar, extremely fine condition.
Length 86,8 cm.; the badge, 85,0 x 85,0 mm. (excl. the suspension loop) and 40 diamonds for a total of 0.60 ct.
Note: this Order, instituted on May 18th 1909 (the proclamation of the Bulgarian Kingdom), was the highest chivalric distinction, awarded to sovereigns, princes and heads of state. Provenance: H.M. Ferdinand I, Tsar of Bulgaria; Sotheby’s, London, July 7th, 1998. I RR!