Selling Bulgarian Orders, Bulgarian medals, bulgarian badges, Order of Saint Alexander, Order of Military Merit, Order for Bravery in War, Red Cross Order, Prince Battenberg, Tsar Ferdinand, Boris III

NEW! Bulgaria, Great War (1915) Red Cross medal of Merit 1st class. Struck in silver (later - 1920s examples were made in silvered metal). Medal in excellent quality and condition. Original ribbon shows slight wear around the suspension but still very good. Medal measures 33mm in diameter. Solid silver medals are hard to find (in comparison to the silvered version). Nicely toned with age. Item # Bul-45 *SOLD*

Military Order for Bravery, early 3rd Class in original case of issue. Marked by the Austrian manufacturer (Johann Schwerdtner) under the lid. The issue would fall in the period of Balkan War or earlier. Cases with maroon lining and push button fastener (instead of the latch system) are considered to be of the earliest vintage (for this type) and are far fewer than the others. Cross is quite fine, bronze gilt. Condition is excellent. Original ribbon shows age and wear. Alexander's cypher to top of the lid is very clean, gold ink very well preserved. Cross measures 38.5mm in width, centre disk ø 15 mm, crown is 20.5mm wide; swords are 41.8mm in length. It is a very fine set, certain to please even most demanding collector. Order was the highest decoration for bravery available in the country and was not awarded liberally. Item # Bul-44  *SOLD*

Additional photo 1 / Additional photo 2

Saint Alexander Order, Knight with swords. Appears to be crafted in silver, judging by the details - most likely by Rothe in Vienna. Excellent quality to all, original ribbon. Slight chipping to the bottom of obverse centre and far from detractive. Swords are very well detailed. 38.5mm wide.

Close-up photo

Item # Bul-42 *SOLD*

Case of issue for the Order for Military Bravery 4th class. Earlier (Ferdinand's) period - so likely for WW1 award. Box-top impressings are deep and clean, most of the gold filling has faded, yet still very reasonable. Shows age. Fitted for the award (with swords). Locking hardware intact. 110mm x 64mm x 22mm. Item # Bul-41 *SOLD*

Presentation box for the Order for Civil Merit, 5th class. Very nice and early issue (Ferdinand's period). Black velvet liner, fitted for the cross/ribbon. Lid'd underliner is a fine, faux moiré paper. Hing covering intact, so is the locking mechanism. Box-top impressings are clear. Case shows age, some discolouration here and there along with typical scuffs. 125mm x 62mm x 21mm. Item # Bul-40 (*SOLD*)

Order for Military Bravery, 2nd Grade of the 4th Class. Very interesting example with thick, sharply tapered planchet. Silvered copper (or tombac), very nice enamels (tiny chip around lion's knee). Complete with fabulous quality ribbon (moire is especially nice and the silver edging still intact), there is some age fading and soiling but not detractive. Exactly as shown in P. Pavlov's book (fig. 48). According to the author, this would qualify as 1944-1950 issue. Quality is good, condition is better. Rare variation of this attractive award. 39mm wide. Item # Bul-39 (258)

Military Order for Bravery, 4 Class 1st Grade with 1915-1916 dates. These early War issues are considerably harder to find in comparison to the 1915-1917 type. Silvered tombak, very good quality. Cross is nicely vaulted. Multi part construction, type with securing pins. Letter 'F' marked to the reverse of the sword hilt ('Friedlander' Berlin).This class/variant was usually bestowed on high ranked officers (some were also awarded to Germans in the Balkan/Macedonian Front). Overall, this awards presents itself rather nicely and has decent patina. Slight 'spider lines' at the bottom of the top arm, otherwise condition is very good. Such crosses are becoming increasingly hard to find. 53mm x 52.6mm. Item # Bul-38. *Sold*

Detailed image 1

Detailed image 2

Order for Bravery, Class 4 Grade 1 with the rare 1915-1916 dates. This very first Great War issue is rather scarce, especially with the original presentation box. Example offered here is believed to have been manufactured by firm of 'Friedlander' in Berlin, this is indicated by small letter 'F' impressed to the back of the sword. Cross shows some wear and age. Features are siginificantly different from the later crosses. Lion is of fine, slim and tall appearance; white ribband is slightly thinner in comparison to the 1915-1917 dates versions; swords are 58mm long. Catch has been soldered (likely replacement but this is an old and good quality repair. Hinge and pin appear original. Back plate is of convex construction where as later models seem to have featured vaulted covers. Original box of issue is in excellent condition, few rubs here and there but all inscriptions/cypher are clear and 'undisturbed'. Bottom of the case has black covering (something later boxes do not show), also - the raised plush bottom interior is green (as opposed to whitish of the later awards). All hardware of the case is undisturbed.Cross measures 51.2mm x 50mm. Overall excellent piece, undoubtedly issued to a high ranked officer. We don't have official full list of the early awards but numbers seem rather low and from names on the existing list it is obvious that only well known individuals were eligible (both Nationals and Foreigners).

Additional photo

Item # Bul-37 *SOLD*

Bulgarian Military Bravery Order, WW1 type (1915 - 1917). IV class, grade I. Very nice example of the award, issued for 'bravery in the face of the enemy'. Dates 1915 (top arm) and 1917 (bottom arm). Centre lion of very interesting type, it is slightly smaller but with the 'Saxon shield'. There are some repairs to enamels but old and very good quality (left arm and bits of the white ribband). Catch has been re-soldered, quality repair. Pin and hinge original. Cross measures 48.5mm x 49mm and it is lightly vaulted. Swords are 55.2mm long. Original presentation box is in remarkable condition. Slight rubs to the geen paper covering but inscriptions and the Royal Cypher (F 1) are very well preserved. Simulated moire covering under the lid, off-white plush interior is raised and fitted for the award. Even the hinge covering fabric is stil intact! Very attractive set. As a note of interest, German air ace Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen was awarded such class in 1917 by King Ferdinand I.

Additional photo

Item # Bul-36 *Sold*

Order for Military Bravery, 1st Grade of the 4th Class with 1915-1917 dates. Awarded to officers for bravery during the Great War. Cross in plated tombak, shows honest wear and age. Chips to enamel to ribband and arms (minor). One arm has an old filling (top tip of the left arm). Pin replaced with an interesting and functional fastener (custom made threaded pin with loop added to the hinge - jeweller quality alteration). Back plate has been re-soldered in place - also well done and old). Cross is vaulted. Lion in the centre is of the thicker variety and nicely detailed. Complete with original box of issue with Ferdinand's cypher impressed on the lid. Off-white plush lining fitted for the cross. Hinge cover is torn but still present; hardware (hinge/lock tab) original and intact. Box has some slight damage to the paper covering but essentials are still clear. Cross measures 47mm x 47mm. Nice set. Exactly as shown in Petko Pavlov's book (fig.30).

Additional photo

Item # Bul-35 *SOLD*

Red Cross Society Honor badge 1918 type. Bronze gilt, excellent enamels and condition. Remarkable, original box of issue. Dark red paper covering; plus interior fitted for badge. Case manufacturer marked on bottom: 'IG. Bergmann etuis-U. Cassetten-Fabrik Wien, VII.' Rare to find with such box. Badge measures 42mm x 30mm. Very nice set.

Additional photo

Item # Bul-34 (118)

Order for Military Merit, 4th class with War Decoration on Bravery ribbon. Early to mid WW2 period. Very good quality and condition. Ribbon is original (which for some reason is hard to find) and shows wear. Cross in gilt (probably copper). Multi part construction. Centre medallion with white enamelled ribband - this is proper for those issued with War Decoration (green oak/laurel leaf wreath). Often seen on German officers in period photos. Rather handsome award. Cross is 51.5mm wide. Item # Bul-32 *SOLD*

Military Merit Order 3rd class (Commander) with original full length ribbon. WW1 period (late Ferdinand issue). Most likely of Austrian manufacture (probably Schwerdtner). Suspension eye marked with a 'star punch' wich was customary for Austrian decorations marked for replacement in gold/silver gilt after the War. Ultimately, we are uncertain why the mark is there (for this is not an Austrian decoration) but interesting never the less - undoubtedly of War period manufacturing. Gilded (probably tombac), little wear - especially to crown details. Enamels are in near pristine condition with no chips or cracks evident. Ribbon shows wear and age, one tie missing. Cross is large, 59mm wide! Overall height (bottom of the cross to top of the crown's cross) 95mm. Excellent piece. This type was in use from late WW1 into early WW2. Centres (bands) are nicely detailed and crafted in silver. Multi part construction. Hard to find in this type/class. Item # Bul-31 *SOLD*

Close up image # 1

Close up image # 2

Close up image # 3

Order for Military Merit, 5th class with War Decoration - Boris III type (early WW2 period). Complete with ribbon, enamels intact. Silvered bronze. Proper, white enamelled centre disc for the award with War Decoration (the wreath). Multi part construction. Very good condition, shows slight wear. Awards with WD are harder to find. 50.8mm wide. Item # Bul-30 *SOLD*

Military Bravery Order - 4th class - Balkan Wars period (so-called "7-point issue") with fixed lion. Excellent quality - silvered. Original ribbon, nicely arranged. Few minor chips (not detractive). Multi-part construction. 38.8mm wide. Shows some wear. Nice example. Ite # Bul-29 *SOLD*

Order of Saint Alexander, Star of 1st class (pre dating the Grand Cross class introduced in 1908) in deluxe - French manufacture by Kretly. Superbly detailed star, raised legend/wreath consistant with earlier awards. Most likely 1890's - early 1900's - some sources refer to this as 2nd Princely issue. Complete with original pin/catches. Kretly's plaque to reverse. Slightly vaulted. Silver marks for French 800 fineness. Few chips to white and couple light repairs there (not detractive). 92mm in diameter and with rare, diamond-cut body pattern (most featured the smooth ray/arm surface). Rare in this type. Very nice piece. Item # Bul-28. *SOLD*

Military Bravery Order, 4th Class - 1st Grade; late WW2 type with (still) crowned lion of fine appearance. According to Pavlov (fig. 46) - these crosses were made earlier and had the center disk changed to comply with the new regulation of the "3 points" (refering to 2 lines and 1 star located at bottom of the white ribband). Crosses with an uncrowned lion in the center were the next modification, most likely used from 1946 on.  Example offered here is in very good condition (no enamel loss), lightly vaulted. Very little loss to silver-plating. Original pin/catch/hinge assembly intact. 50.4mm wide. Excellent example. Item # Bul-26  *SOLD*

Order for Military Merit, 5th class with Crown; Boris III type (1918-1937). Judging by the case - this example would date from 1930's. Silvered cross in near-mint condition. Complete with original, fitted case of issue and ribbon. 48mm wide (cross). Case shows some light wear and few dark areas, otherwise very good. Really nice set for discerning collector. For some reason, this type and class (Boris issue - 5th class with crown) - seems to be rather difficult to find. Item # Bul-25 (315)

Royal Order for Merit, Ferdinand's type - 2nd tsar issue on peace time ribbon. Note presence of the Saxon coat of arms to lion (reverse). It was most likely issued between Balkan War and WW1. Order's medal in very good, alas slightly worn condition. Complete with original ribbon and somewhat fatigued case of issue (lid's embossing is very good though). Case is missing the locking latch but this is rather minor. 33mm wide, swords are 43mm long. Item # Bul-24 *SOLD*

Silver Medal for Merit with Crown, early Boris III issue with no error in inscription. Complete with original case of issue (case is in fair condition,has been fixed with tape and holds well). Original ribbon. Medal in very good condition, slight wear marks only. 28mm in diameter. Nice set, getting hard to find. Ref. Pavlov (fig 456). Item # Bul-22 (95)

Military Merit Order, Commander (3rd Class) - 2nd type (King Boris III period). Excellent enamels (only one small chip to green on reverse center disc). Bronze gilt, original full length neck ribbon with ties. Complete with original, fitted case of issue. Case shows some age through typical scuffs and rubs. Lid embossing still easily read. Cross is 54.5mm wide. Very nice set. Getting hard to find. Item # Bul-27 *SOLD*

Order of Saint Alexander; Knight without crown, Civil Division. King Ferdinand's period. Lovely example, pre 1918. Very good quality. Unmarked but seemingly of French manufacture. Complete with original case of issue, royal cypher embossed to lid. Case showing age but still in considerably fine condition. Silver cross in very good shape, just minor spider cracking with no chipping. Original ribbon. 39.3 mm wide. Item # Bul-21  *SOLD*

Order for Courage in Wartime (Military Bravery Order). This is the 3rd type of the award (1941), 4th class, 2nd grade issued during World War II. Mostly issued to German officers. Proper replacement ribbon. Unmarked, but most likely by Friedlander. This example was dug up in Eastern Europe, along with nearly completely disintegrated Iron Cross 2nd class. Enamel damage, especially white band on reverse. Center disk on reverse is slightly lifted and with signs of being under the ground. Considering all, cross is in fair or better condition. 39.5mm wide. Item # Bul-23 *SOLD*

Order of Civil Merit, Officer. Boris III type, 1st issue (1918-1933). Very good quality, unmarked but most likely of German manufacture. Very little wear to gilding. Just a few tiny enamel chips. Original ribbon faded. Multi part construction. 48mm wide. Very attractive Order. Item # Bul-20 *SOLD*

Military Order for Bravery, Soldier's bravery cross 3rd class. 1915 type. Silvered bronze, original ribbon. Shows light wear and age. Nice example. 35mm wide. Item # Bul-18. *SOLD*

Order for Courage in the Wartime, also known as Military Bravery Order. This is the 1st type of the award (1879-1914), 4th class issued for Balkan Wars. Fantastic early workmanship, appears to be Austrian or German. Suspension eye with 2 distinct hallmarks but not very clear. Silvered bronze cross, gilt mulit part centers. Light chipping to white ribbands and lower left tip or red cross (reverse). Great looking piece, complete with original ribbon. Swords and suspension well detailed. 39mm wide. Reference, Pavlov page 21 fig. 20. Item # Bul-4 *SOLD*

Military Order for bravery, 4th class - 1st grade. Breast cross with pinback. WW1, 2nd issue dated 1915-1917 (first issue was dated 1915-1916). Great quality to all, no enamel damage. Gilt legend and national lion (separate piece). Shows some wear (mostly on reverse). Lightly vaulted. Lion affixed to centre via small rivet (visible from reverse). 50mm in diameter. Very interesting WW1 officer's award. Hard to find. Most likely made by firm of Miloshev in Sofia but unmarked. Item # Bul-14 *SOLD*

Military Merit Order, Knight's class. King Ferdinand I era (1908-1918), second issue. Multi-part construction, in silver with great details. Hinged crown/pendilia assembly. Most likely of Austrian manufacture (Schwerdtner). Original bravery ribbon. Immaculate condition. 48mm. Item #Bul-15. *SOLD*

WW2 era, Officer 20 years long service decoration, Boris III type. This type was manufactured by Zimmerman in Pforzheim (Germany). Bronze gilt, great quality enamels (small, good quality repairs to obverse red ribband). Complete with original fitted case of issue (shows age and some typical scuffing but no major damage). Original ribbon lightly soiled. Reference: Pavlov page 253, fig.504/505. Very attractive decoration, hard to find cased. 39.2mm wide. Item # Bul-16. *SOLD*