Original Bulgarian Royal Medal of Merit Bronze Class with crown suspension from the reign of Tsar Ferdinand I.
Key Information:
• Country: Bulgaria
• Award: Royal Medal of Merit
• Class: Bronze – 3rd Class
• Ruler: Tsar Ferdinand I
• Period: 1908–1918 (World War I era)
• Material: Bronze
• Crown suspension present
Medal Design:
Obverse:
Portrait of Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria.
Inscription: “ФЕРДИНАНД I ЦАРЬ НА БЪЛГАРИТѢ”
translated as “Ferdinand I Tsar of the Bulgarians.”
Reverse:
Inscription: “ЗА ЗАСЛУГА”
translated as “For Merit.”
The reverse is surrounded by a decorative oak and laurel wreath symbolizing honor and merit.
Condition:
• Crown suspension intact
• Original ribbon present
• Natural bronze patina
• Minor wear consistent with age
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Dimensions approx.:
52.57 mm including crown suspension
Diameter: 27.68 mm
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Royal Medal of Merit was awarded during the reign of Tsar Ferdinand I to recognize distinguished civil or military service to the Bulgarian state. The bronze class represented the third class of the award and was frequently bestowed during the period leading up to and during World War I.
Summary:
Original Bulgarian Royal Medal of Merit Bronze 3rd Class with crown suspension from the reign of Tsar Ferdinand I (1908–1918). A classic World War I era Balkan decoration and an attractive addition to any European militaria collection.