Bulgaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, IV Class Officer Case

(Орден за Военна Заслуга). Instituted in 1900. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, the exterior with a red pebbled fabric covering on five sides and a black thatched-look paper bottom, the lid bearing the Bulgarian coat-of-arms with the Imperial Crown and inscribed "ОРДЕНЪ / ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСПУГА. / IV. CT." in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "Jon. Schwerdtner WIEN / XVIII.Gentzgasse 104", a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a raised platform in white felt with a recessed medal bed, single clasp closure, measuring 65 mm (w) x 132 mm (h) x 22.5 mm (d), very light soiling evident on the lid, one corner missing and scuffing on the black paper bottom, soiled 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.