Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order Of Military Merit, V Class With War Decoration Case, C. 1918

(Орден за Военна Заслуга). Instituted in 1900. Type I with War Decoration. In bronze gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 51 mm (w) x 80 mm (h) inclusive of its Imperial crown suspension, one red jewel at the base of the crown on the obverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, the exterior with a red paper dimpled covering on all sides, the lid bearing the Imperial crowned cypher of Tsar Boris III (reign: 1918-1943) above the inscription "ОРДЕНЪ ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСЛУГА IV. Ciii." and bearing an open-ended wreath composed of oak leaves and laurel leaves representative of a War Decoration in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in a white synthetic material, padded and exhibiting the impression of the missing award, white cardboard insert placed within the base and incorporating a lightly soiled recessed medal bed in white felt, light scuffing on the exterior, case also near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit is a Bulgarian order during the Kingdom of Bulgaria and the Republic of Bulgaria. In is the third highest order in the Republic of Bulgaria along with the Order of Civil Merit and the Order of the Madara Rider. The order was established by Prince Ferdinand I, with a decree of the Knyaz on May 19, 1900 as a sign of the benevolence of the Monarch to the bravery of the Bulgarian army. It was similar to the Order of Civil Merit but made for military personnel. It was awarded to military officers for bravery or meritorious service, established in six grades, with the Grand Cross added in 1933. The War Decoration was authorized in 1916, and the use of a Bravery Ribbon in 1912.