(Орден за Военна Заслуга). Instituted in 1900. Type I with Imperial Crown. In silver with red, white and green enamels, measuring 47.8 mm (h) x 76.7 mm (h) inclusive of its Imperial crown suspension, fine chipping evident in the large red enamelled jewel on the base of the crown on both sides, otherwise the enamels are intact, original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red pebbled exterior, marked with the Bulgarian coat-of-arms above the inscription "ОРДЕНЪ ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСЛУГА. V. CT." in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "Joh. Schwerdtner WIEN", the medal bed with raised platform in white felt and recessed, measuring 64 mm (w) x 132.5 mm (h) x 24.5 mm (d), exhibiting light soiling in the white felt of the medal bed, 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. It 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.