Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Military Order Of Bravery, I Class, C.1916

Военна ордена на смелостта, Гранд Крос. Instituted in 1880. Grade I with 1915-1917. In silvered bronze with red and white enamels, with four glass stones embedded in each handle of the crossed swords, measuring 48.5 mm (w) x 48.5 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, scattered silvering wear, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, cypher of Tsar Ferdinand I (ruled 1908-1918) and marked "ОРДЕНЪ / "ЗА ХРАБРОСТБ" / IV. Степенъ. I. Класъ." on the lid, sunned slotted medal bed, scuffing and wear on the exterior, wear evident on the fabric overlying the hinged area, case near fine.

Footnote: The Military Order for Bravery is the oldest and most recognizable order in the history of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. Its history begins in 1879 when the first Constitution of the Bulgarian Principality had been passed by the National Parliament in Tarnovo. Under clause 58 of this new highest document, it was stated that within the borders of the newly established state, "…no noble titles and orders of distinction may exist of any sort". However, the next clause makes an exception by allowing the new Monarch to establish "a single decoration for military distinction in wartime and only for army men". This clause made it possible for the order to be established on January 1, 1880 by Tsar Alexander I, as the nation’s only official order which is being awarded for exceptional military deeds and demonstrated valour on the battlefield.