Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of Civil Merit, III Class Commander, c. 1900

(Орден за гражданска заслуга). Instituted August 2 1891 by Prince Ferdinand I. Type I (1891-1908). An enamelled white four armed Arrow Cross in silver gilt, with delicate enamelled green oak branches and acorns in each quadrant, obverse centre with superposed enamelled white cypher backed by a red enamelled background, surrounded by Cyrillic inscription 3А ГРАЖДАНСКА 3АСЛУГА (For Civil Merit) on a white enamel border, reverse of oak leaves exhibit flat, gilded and hand etched detail denoting type I, reverse center medallion with superposed gilded Bulgarian lion on an enamelled red background, encircled by an enamelled white border with Cyrillic inscription 2 АВГУСТЪ 1891 (2 August 1891), suspended by detailed gilded Princely Crown with an interior red enamel cap, enamel details along the band and textured pendelia, measuring 62.95mm (w) x 93.92mm (h - inclusive of cross adorned crown suspension), weighs 57.7 grams (excluding ribbon), worn on a full length correct neck ribbon, light contact marks to edges and general wear, enamel chip to reverse 3 o’clock arm, enamel wear to band detailing on surmounting crown, overall very fine condition.

Footnote: This Order was established by Prince Ferdinand I, and it was conferred at the discretion of the Monarch in recognition of exceptional achievements in Bulgarian civil life and society. The III Class was awarded to foreign and Bulgarian high-ranking Officials.