Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, VI Class Knight with War Decoration, c.1930

Орден за Военна Заслуга. Instituted in 1900. Type I (1900-1937). In bronze gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 51.2 mm (w) x 78.8 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, scattered chipping evident in the green enamels on the wreath on the obverse and in the enamels at the base of the crown on both sides, original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit is a Bulgarian order during the Kingdom of Bulgaria and the Republic of Bulgaria. In 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 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.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.