Bulgaria. Medal of Merit of the reign of Tsar Ferdinand I, 2nd class

The original medal is in excellent condition. Silver, stamping. The obverse depicts the profile of King Ferdinand I, facing to the left. There is an inscription in Bulgarian around the circle: "FERDINAND I TSAR OF Bulgaria" ("Ferdinand I tsar of the Bulgarians", bolg.). On the reverse there is an inscription "For merit" in a laurel wreath.

The Medal of Merit was established on December 25, 1881 by Prince Alexander I Battenberg. It was awarded to both military and civilians for services to the throne and the Fatherland. This type of medal with the title "Tsar" was issued after Bulgaria was declared an independent kingdom in 1908. The medal had three grades: gold, silver and bronze. Judging by the appearance (light metal without a crown). The awards were worn on a triangular block with a dark red moire ribbon (ribbon of the Order of St. Alexander) for peacetime. On some copies, the engraver's stamp "R. Telge" may be present under the tsar's profile.