Order of Military Merit, Type I, Grand Cross (with war decoration)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.BGR.0106.101.01.001

Estimated market value:

$1900+ USD

  • Order of Military Merit, Grand Cross (with war decoration) Obverse
  • Order of Military Merit, Grand Cross (with war decoration) Reverse
  • Order of Military Merit, Grand Cross (with war decoration) Obverse
  • Order of Military Merit, Grand Cross (with war decoration) Reverse

Estimated market value:

$1900+ USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Bulgaria (Kingdom)
  • Makers
    G.A. Scheid, Vienna; Y. Schweitner, Vienna; Bahruh, Budapest; Certlie, France; Boulanger, France; Bertran, France; N. Sabev, Bulgaria; H. Parsamyan, Bulgaria
  • Composition
    Gilt/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: 3А ВОЕННА 3АСЛУГА Rev: 2 АВГУСТЪ 1891
  • Size
    65mm
  • Image Licensing
    https://www.emedals.com/europe/bulgaria-kingdom/orders/order-of-military-merit/bulgaria-kingdom-a-military-merit-order-1st-class-grand-cross-set-with-war-decoration-type-i-with-imperial-crown

Physical Description and Item Details


Орден за Военна Заслуга. Instituted in 1900. Sash Badge: in bronze gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 76 mm (w) x 110 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, accompanied by a length of original sash ribbon

History


This Order was instituted by Ferdinand I and it was conferred upon military personnel in recognition of significant contributions to the development of the Bulgarian Army, and for dedicated, exceptional service.

The Order of Civil Merit and the Order of Military Merit have the same level of precedence.

The Order originally consisted of 6 grades, and the Grand Cross with Grand Cross Breast Star was added to the Order in 1933 by Boris III.

In November 1916 Ferdinand I added an additional military distinction to the awards conferred for military merit in wartime, which took the form of an enamelled laurel wreath. He also added diamonds to the Grand Cross with Grand Cross Breast Star, I Class with I Class Breast Star, II Class with II Class Breast Star, and III Class that were awarded to recognize exceptionally brave wartime actions.

The awards issued during the reign of Ferdinand I and Boris III feature an obverse inscription that translates to "For Military Merit", and a reverse inscription that translates to "2 August 1891".

The Type II awards are from 1944-1946 and were awarded by the Regency government. The awards issued during this period feature a lion wearing a crown on the obverse medallion, and the Bulgarian flag on the reverse medallion.

In 1946 (Type III) the Order design was altered by the new Republic government. The awards issued from 1946-1947 feature a surmounting wreath, and a crown-less lion on the obverse medallion.

In 2004, the Order was reinstated as the third highest Bulgarian Order.

The Order awards issued during the Regency and Republican periods were manufactured in Bulgaria.

Due to the variety of manufacturers and Monarchs who issued the Order, the awards feature numerous modifications in size, composition, and design.

The awards were issued during the Monarchy and Regency.

The Grand Cross was awarded to high ranking Military personnel, such as Generals, and Senior State Officers.

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