Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Order, 1st Class Grand Cross Set with War Decoration, Type I with Imperial Crown

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; and Breast Star: bronze gilt with red, white and green enamelled insignia, mounted a silver and bronze gilt eight-pointed star base, maker marked "JOHANN SCHWERDTNER WIEN" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 98 mm (w) x 98.2 mm (h), vertical pinback, cypher in the centre slightly loose. Intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The order was established 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. The order was given to military figures for immaculate service and special merit. It was established with six grades and in 1933, the Grand Cross was added.