Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Military Order of Bravery, IV Class, Grade II Case

(Военна ордена на смелостта, Гранд Крос). Instituted in 1880. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, the exterior with a forest green multi-ridged fabric covering on all sides, the lid bearing the cypher of Tsar Boris III (Reign: 1918-1943) surmounted by the Imperial crown and inscribed "ОРДЕНЪ / "ЗА ХРАБРОСТЬ" / IV. Степень. / II. Класъ" in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in white satin, a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a white felt recessed medal bed, single clasp closure, measuring 58 mm (w) x 108 mm (h) x 23.5 mm (d), light scuffing and wear on the exterior, the cypher of Tsar Boris III experiencing chattering in the ink, light soiling on the medal bed, very fine.

Footnote: The Military Order for Bravery is the oldest and most recognizable order in the history of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. Its history begins in 1879 when the first Constitution of the Bulgarian Principality had been passed by the National Parliament in Tarnovo. Under clause 58 of this new highest document, it was stated that within the borders of the newly established state, "…no noble titles and orders of distinction may exist of any sort". However, the next clause makes an exception by allowing the new Monarch to establish "a single decoration for military distinction in wartime and only for army men". This clause made it possible for the orderto be established on January 1, 1880, as the nation’s only official order which is being awarded for exceptional military deeds and demonstrated valour on the battlefield.