Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Order, I Class Grand Cross With War Decoration, By Johann Schwerdtner, C.1940

(Орден за Военна Заслуга). Instituted in 1900 by Knyaz Ferdinand. Type I with Imperial Crown. A large bronze gilt badge, consisting of a red enameled Arrow Cross with swords in each quadrant, green enameled laurels denote a war decoration which is joined by a bow over the 6 o'clock arm, obverse centre presenting the monogram of founder Knyaz Ferdinand on red enamel backing, surrounded by white enamel ring with inlaid inscription ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСЛУГА (For Military Merit), reverse center presents a rampant lion on a red enamel background, surrounded by a white enamel ring with inlaid inscription 2 АВГУСТЪ 1891 (2 August 1891), adored by large Imperial crown with finely enamel jewels and interior detailing, measuring 75 mm (w) x 109 mm (h- inclusive of crown suspension and horizontally pierced ball adorned by cross), with enamel wear to obverse center monogram which is slightly loose, on period sash, better than very fine.

Accompanied by the star of the order, featuring an eight point star with alternating silver and gilt arms, obverse centre displays a bronze gilt and red enamel Arrow Cross with swords in each quadrant, centerpiece presents the monogram of founder Knyaz Ferdinand on red enamel backing, surrounded by white enamel ring with inlaid inscription ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСЛУГА (For Military Merit), reverse bears single vertical pin assembly with four screwposts, maker marked “JOHANN SCHWERDTNER WIEN” on cartouche, measuring 97 mm (w) x 97 mm (h),with enamel loss to white surround, 5 o’clock bronze gilt ray bent, very fine.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.