Communist Era and Service Medals – Hungary and Bulgaria
Key Information:
• Countries: Hungary, Bulgaria
• Type: Service and Revolutionary Commemorative Medals
• Hungary 15 Years diameter approx.: 35.93 mm
• Bulgaria Revolution diameter approx.: 28.88 mm
• Hungary Firefighter diameter approx.: 34.87 mm
1. Hungary – Honvédelmi Érdemérem, 15 Years
Medal Design:
Obverse: Laurel wreath with crossed rifles and number “15” beneath state emblem.
Reverse inscription: “HONVÉDELMI ÉRDEMÉREM” – Translation: “Defense Merit Medal.”
Triangular ribbon in Hungarian national colors.
Condition:
• Surface shows light wear and minor marks
• Ribbon shows age-related wear
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
Hungarian Defense Merit Medal awarded for long and faithful service, here in the 15-year class. Typical decoration of the socialist-era Hungarian armed or defense services.
2. Bulgaria – Commemorative Medal of the Revolution 1923–1944
Medal Design:
Obverse: Relief depiction with revolutionary figures and portraits, inscription “1923” and Cyrillic text “ПОДГОТОВИ 9 IX 1944” referring to 9 September 1944.
Reverse inscription: “СЕПТЕМВРИ 1923 ГОДИНА” – Translation: “September 1923 Year.” Revolutionary scene within wreath.
Ribbon in purple and orange tones.
Condition:
• Visible wear and surface marks
• Areas of finish loss consistent with age
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
Commemorates revolutionary events leading to 9 September 1944 in Bulgaria, marking the establishment of the socialist government. Collectible within Eastern Bloc and Cold War era decorations.
3. Hungary – Firefighter’s Long Service Medal, 5 Years, 1958
Medal Design:
Obverse: “ÖNKÉNTES TŰZOLTÓI SZOLGÁLATÉRT” – Translation: “For Volunteer Firefighter Service.” Central shield and crossed firefighting equipment with wreath and “V ÉVES” (5 Years).
Reverse inscription: “BELÜGYMINISZTÉRIUM ORSZÁGOS TŰZRENDÉSZETI PARANCSNOKSÁGA 1958” – Translation: “Ministry of Interior National Fire Command 1958.”
Triangular ribbon in Hungarian national colors.
Condition:
• Bronze shows natural patina
• Ribbon displays age wear
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
Hungarian long service medal awarded to volunteer firefighters for 5 years of service, dated 1958. Represents civil service decorations from the socialist period in Hungary.
Summary:
An interesting Eastern European trio featuring Hungarian military and civil service long service awards alongside a Bulgarian revolutionary commemorative medal. Spanning the socialist era, this group reflects mid-20th century political and service traditions within Hungary and Bulgaria. A solid addition for collectors of Communist-era and Eastern Bloc decorations.