Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, III Class Commander with Imperial Crown

(Орден за Военна Заслуга). Instituted in 1900. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, the exterior with a red dimpled fabric covering on all sides, the lid bearing the impressed cypher of Tsar Ferdinand I (Reign: October 5, 1908 - October 3, 1918) surmounted by the Imperial Crown and inscribed "ОРДЕНЪ ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСПУГА. III. CT." in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in a white synthetic fabric and padded, a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a white felt recessed medal bed, single clasp closure, measuring 88 mm (w) x 150 mm (h) x 27.3 mm (d), scuffing, wear and soiling evident on the exterior, the rear panel on the base having come away from the body of the case but remains attached to the body via the cardboard insert, soiling present in the white felt of the medal bed, poor to fair.

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 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.