Wilhelm Freiherr von Leonrod – a Grand Cross set with Diamonds and Swords on the Ring of the Bulgarian Order of St. Alexander in the presentation case, including the outer boxWrought in gold and enamelled in white and translucent red, the order cross dates from the reign of Tsar Ferdinand I (1861 – 1948) from 1908 to 1918. The red centre inscribed "St. Alexander" in ancient Cyrillic, surrounded by diamond roses (in a silver setting), the inscription ring reads (tr.) "God with us" and the decorative riband buckle with diamond roses set à jour. The angular-type crown surmounting made of gilt silver, issued when Bulgaria was proclaimed a Kingdom (Tsardom) in 1908, enamelled on the reverse (the circlet also in green enamel), the obverse embellished with gemstones (old-cut diamonds, diamond roses), plus sapphires and rubies in the circlet, most set à jour. The cap of the crown hand-chased on both sides of the interior and covered in translucent enamel. The flat, crossed pair of swords (with multi-piece quillons) serve as the movable connecting element to the body of the cross in a gilt silver ring binding (a hinged inspection opening on the back), completely covered with old-cut diamonds, set à jour. The suspension ring, presumably gold, stamped on the inside with the manufacturer "C. F. ZIMMERMANN HOFJUWELIER PFORZHEIM". Width 51.8 mm. Weight 49.1 g. Each ray of the eight-rayed breast star encrusted with old-cut diamonds, set à jour, the reverse gilt, an a pin stamped with the manufacturer "C. F. ZIMMERMANN HOFJUWELIER PFORZHEIM". The medallion enamelled in white and translucent red, enclosed by a border of old-cut diamonds on the outside and diamond roses on the inside, the crossed pair of gold swords fastened to the body of the star with three hollow rivets. Width 91.5 mm. Weight 74.4 g.Together with the pale red order sash, customised with a rosette, in the presentation case of burgundy velvet, with an appliquéd, partly-enamelled tsarist crown in gilt silver and in the white, gold-embossed outer box (including the crowned initials of Tsar Ferdinand I), the edges of the lid slightly torn. A magnificent order set, wrought with consummate jeweller's craftsmanship.The Swords on the Ring distinction was introduced for the Bulgarian Order of St Alexander as of 1886. It was designed to honour officers in times of war who did not encounter the enemy directly. The "Diamonds" were awarded as a token of the tsar's exceptional goodwill (see Bretzendorfer/Kuhn 2008).Unfortunately, no reliable records are available on the number of bestowals of the Bulgarian order grade. To our knowledge, this brilliant order set is the only one of this issue in existence.Wilhelm Freiherr von Leonrod (1865 - 1943), Lord Chamberlain to the last Bavarian King, was in the centre of power during World War I. In total, he was awarded 15 Grand Cross sets.Condition: I -