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 deep red dimpled fabric covering on all sides, the lid bearing the cypher of Tsar Boris III (Reign: October 3, 1918 - August 28, 1943) surmounted by the Imperial Crown, along with an open-ended wreath composed of oak leaves and laurel leaves, with the inscription "ОРДЕНЪ ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСПУГА. III. CT." between the crowned cypher and wreath in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in white satin and padded, the lining exhibiting the impression of the once present Commander Badge of the Order, a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a white felt recessed medal bed, dual-hinged, single clasp closure, measuring 89 mm (w) x 166 mm (h) x 26 mm (d), scuffing, wear and soiling evident on the exterior, soiling present in the satin lining of the inside lid and the white felt of the medal bed, 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 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.