Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order Of Military Merit, Vi Class, Cased

(Орден за Военна Заслуга). Instituted in 1900. Type I with Imperial Crown. The badge with a three-piece construction, in frosted silver, the badge surmounted by the Imperial crown in silver, measuring 46 mm (w) x 73.7 mm (h) inclusive of its Imperial crown suspension, original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red dimpled exterior, the lid marked with the Imperial crown above the monogram of Tsar Boris III (reign: 1918-1943) and inscribed "ОРДЕНЪ ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСЛУГА VI. CТП. СЪ КОРОНА" in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in a off-white synthetic material, padded and exhibiting the impression of the award, white cardboard insert placed within the base and incorporating a recessed medal bed in black felt, measuring 67 mm (w) x 130.5 mm (h) x 24.5 mm (d), light scuffing evident on the bottom, case better than very 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.