Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Grand Collar (in silver gilt)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.BGR.0101.102.01.001
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
(орден св. Св. Кирил и методий). Instituted on 18 May 1909. Post-1945 Copy. A grand collar consisting of 24 links, each resembling four flames, seven of the links are adorned with Bourbon fleurs-de-lis, seven with ciphers of Ferdinand I, and 14 with Bulgarian lions charged with Saxon shields, each link measures approximately 43 mm (w) x 44 mm (h), the badge appendant has a suspension consisting of two gilded chains to which a Seraph is centrally attached, the Seraph measuring 54 mm (w) x 55 mm (h), the badge of the collar is constructed of gilded silver, presenting as a Byzantine cross, with light-blue enamelled cross arms, with red-enamelled flames between the cross arms each bearing Bourbon fleurs-de-lis, the obverse centre presents a medallion bearing the portrait of the two Saints, circumscribed by the Latin inscription EX ORIENTE LUX (LIGHT FROM THE EAST), the reverse centre presents blue-enamelled medallion with the cipher of Ferdinand I, bordered by the Order’s foundation date XVIII MAJUS MDCCCCIX (18 MAY 1909), measuring 59.60 mm (w) x 58.38 mm (h), and in near extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the breast star, presenting as a silver Maltese cross, with a faceted surface, with red-enamelled flames between the cross arms, each flame bearing a fleurs-de-lis, the obverse centre bearing a gilded silver Seraph in purple enamels, the reverse centre presents a principle pin assembly, unmarked, measuring 78.33 mm (w) x 77.93 mm (h), weighing 82.0 grams, and in extremely fine condition.
This Order was established by Ferdinand I following his accession to the throne of independent Bulgaria.
The Order was conferred upon notable foreign and Bulgarian public figures, Princes, and Sovereigns in recognition of humanitarian efforts that benefited Bulgarian society and served the world.
It was the highest ranking National Order within the Bulgarian award system until 1946. On December 13, 1950 the Order was redesigned and re-instituted by the People’s Republic of Bulgaria. Finally in 2003 the Order was founded as an official Order of Republic of Bulgaria.
The number of Bulgarian recipients was limited to 15.
The Order grades exist in a variety of sizes, forms, and compositions.
The Grand Collar is composed of 24 “flame” links, with 6 links decorated with Fleur-de-Lys, 12 links featuring Bulgarian lions, and 6 links with the cypher of Ferdinand I.
Comments
Sign in to comment and reply.
COMMUNITY
ACCOUNT
Scroll Top
