Bulgaria. Order of Military Merit, 6th degree, in a case

The original order is in excellent collector's condition. The reign of Ferdinand I (1908-1918). In the original case. Bronze, silver plating. On the original shoe. Guarantee of authenticity.

The Order of Military Merit was established by Prince Ferdinand I (1887-1908) on May 18, 1900. The Order was awarded to military personnel of the Bulgarian Army, Navy and Air Force (since 1912), as well as civilians, volunteers and volunteers for their military services, both in peacetime and wartime (including for past wars; the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885). Foreign nationals could also receive the award. In peacetime, the ribbon consisted of white, yellow and black; in wartime, the ribbon consisted of light blue and silver (a silver thread passed through the stripe). In total, there were 6 degrees in the Order of Military Merit.

The 1st degree consisted of a badge ("Grand Cross") worn on a moire ribbon over the right shoulder and a star fixed on the uniform on the left side. The insignia were intended for senior military and civilian officials of the Bulgarian State (introduced into the award system in 1933).

The 2nd degree, the so-called grand officer, consisted of a star, also worn on the chest of the left side of the uniform and a sign (cross) worn on a moire ribbon around the neck. The insignia was intended exclusively for Bulgarian generals.

The 3rd degree, the so-called commander's degree, had only a neck badge (a cross worn on a ribbon around the neck). It was intended for colonels and lieutenant colonels of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

The 4th degree, the so-called officer class, represented a sign (cross) mounted on a triangular-shaped block with a ribbon and a rosette design on the front (in wartime without an outlet: the difference between the 4th and 5th degrees is the presence of gilding or lack thereof). The badge was worn on the left side of the uniform. The award was intended for majors and platoon commanders with the rank of captain of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

The 5th degree, the so-called knight or cavalier class, represented a sign (cross) mounted on a triangular-shaped shoe with a ribbon without a rosette design on it (worn on the left side of the uniform). It was intended for platoon commanders with the rank of captain, lieutenant, second lieutenant of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, as well as volunteers and volunteers.

The 6th degree differed from the previous signs by the absence of an enamel coating (the previous above-mentioned signs all had an enamel design; this degree was made of silver-plated bronze). The shoe is also triangular in shape. The badge was worn on the left side of the civilian uniform. The award was intended for enlisted and non-commissioned officers of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, as well as volunteers and volunteers.

The signs (crosses) could be crowned with crowns or appear without them. The badges also included overhead laurel wreaths for additional distinction in wartime. In addition to the standard awards, miniature dress versions were also produced.