Original Bulgarian Tsardom Military Decoration – Wartime Issue
Key Information:
• Country: Bulgaria (Tsardom period)
• Award: Order of Military Merit
• Class: 5th Class Cross
• Type: Wartime issue with crossed swords
• Period: WWI era, circa 1915–1918 or slightly later wartime production
• Dimensions approx.: 38.50 x 35.00 mm
• Material: Silvered base metal
• Suspension: Ring suspension
• Ribbon: Straight ribbon bar (non-triangular style)
Medal Design:
The decoration is formed as a cross pattée with crossed swords between the arms, signifying wartime military merit.
The obverse central medallion shows the Bulgarian lion surrounded by Cyrillic inscription and the date 1915, marking wartime military awards.
The reverse medallion displays the royal cipher with the date 1879, commemorating the founding of the order.
Unlike earlier and higher-quality examples, this version is produced without enamel, which is typical for later wartime or economy production issues.
Condition:
For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
The decoration shows overall age and service wear with visible finish loss and toning across the surface. The cross is manufactured without enamel and displays exposed silvered metal with natural oxidation and wear.
The ribbon is original and mounted in a straight suspension style rather than the traditional Austrian/Bulgarian triangular fold. The ribbon shows age wear, staining, and fraying consistent with long-term storage and use.
Suspension ring and fittings show oxidation and age toning.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Order of Military Merit was one of the principal military decorations of the Kingdom of Bulgaria. Awards featuring crossed swords were issued for wartime service and battlefield merit.
Examples from the First World War period are increasingly collectible, especially wartime economy variants that reflect production changes during military conflict.
Summary:
Original Bulgarian Order of Military Merit, 5th Class wartime swords type. Authentic WWI period decoration with original straight ribbon suspension. A solid collectible example from Tsardom Bulgaria.
For the condition, please refer to the pictures.