History

This cross was founded by Prince Ferdinand I, and it was conferred upon members of the Bulgarian Army in recognition of distinguished and uninterrupted service.

The cross was originally instituted in a single grade, and awarded for a minimum of 10 years of exemplary service. When it was awarded to Officers the cross was silver-coloured, and when it was awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks the cross was bronze-coloured.

In 1899, Ferdinand I added the I Class Cross for 20 Years for Officers with enamel.

In 1933, Tsar Boris III introduced the II Class Cross for 20 Years for Non-Commissioned Officers in gilt materials.

The obverse inscription translates to "For Excellent Service".

The reverse date translates to "2nd August 1887".

The Type I crosses were awarded from 1889-1918. They feature the monogram of Ferdinand I on the obverse, and a lion with a shield containing the Saxon coat of arms on its torso on the reverse.

The I Class Cross for 20 Years was awarded to Officers, and it features a suspension with the Roman numerals "XX".