(Орден за Военна Заслуга). Instituted in 1900. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, the exterior with a red paper dimpled covering on five sides and a cross-hatched black paper bottom, the lid bearing the Imperial crowned cypher of Tsar Ferdinand I (reign: 1887-1908) above the inscription "ОРДЕНЪ ЗА ВОЕННА ЗАСЛУГА V. C T." and bearing an open-ended wreath composed of oak leaves and laurel leaves representative of a War Decoration in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in a white synthetic material, padded and exhibiting the impression of the missing award, white cardboard insert placed within the base and incorporating a recessed medal bed in navy blue felt, single-hinged, latch closure, measuring 63 mm in width x 107 mm in length x 21 mm in depth, wear and soiling evident on the exterior and on the inside lid, 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.