Hungary, Regency. An Order of Merit, Bronze Merit Medal

(Magyar Érdemrend, Bronz Érdemérem). Instituted in 1922. In bronze gilt, measuring 39.2 mm (w) x 44.3 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, edge nicks, scattered gilt wear with two larger patches evident on the obverse and on the edge, light contact overall, on its original green triangular civil ribbon with hook and eye, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Merit of the Kingdom of Hungary was established on June 14, 1922 by the Regent of the Kingdom of Hungary, Vice Admiral Miklós Horthy. After its establishment, the rules of the order were changed numerous times. On December 23, 1935, it became an official distinction recognizing both civil and military accomplishments. From 1939 to 1944, the highest degree of the order, the Grand Cross with the Holy Crown of Stephen, was awarded to both chiefs of state (i.e. monarchs of presidents) or heads of government (i.e. prime ministers and chancellors). In addition, the class of the Holy Crown and the Collar was instituted which was awarded exclusively to chiefs of state. All classes of the order could be awarded in recognition of military distinction, the military "division" of the order having crossed swords and a different ribbon which was mostly red rather than the green of the civil division. It was awarded in five Classes, along with Gold, Silver and Bronze Merit Crosses, as well as Silver and Bronze Merit Medals. After the Hungarian monarchy was formally abolished following the abdication of Admiral Horthy and the defeat of Hungary in the Second World War on September 14, 1946, the National Assembly of Hungary disestablished the order and replaced it by the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. After the Communist take over of Hungary and the promulgation of the new Hungarian constitution on August 20, 1949, the new order was disestablished. Following the collapse of the Communist regime in Hungary in 1989, a new order, known as Order of Merit of Hungary was established. Though it has a similar appearance, this is a new order and not a re-establishment of the previous order.