Bulgaria & Albania. A Lot of Orders and Awards

1. Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Medal for Participation in the Anti-Fascist Struggle. Gold medallion, obverse shows two men in combat, reverse center bearing the profile of Georgi Dimitrov within a five pointed star surrounded by an inscription, on original triangular ribbon, evidence of some oxidation, 30.5 mm, better than very fine condition. 

Footnote: This medal was instituted on 9 September 1945 and awarded to participants in the struggle against fascism and capitalism. The medal was awarded over 195,000 times and was canceled in 1991.

2. Bulgaria, Kingdom. A King Boris II Medal of Merit. Bronze medallion, obverse bearing profile of Boris II, reverse inscription, on original ribbon, evidence of some wear on obverse, 28 mm, extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Medal of Merit was instituted in 1881 and was awarded for meritorious services to the Crown or the Country. It was awarded in three classes: gold, silver, and bronze.

3.Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Medal for Participation in the European War 1915-1918. Gold medallion, obverse bearing crowned Bulgarian coat of arms imposed on crossed swords and flanked by laurel and oak branches, reverse bearing the dates 1915-1918 surrounded by a wreath, on original triangular ribbon, 32.2 mm, near mint condition.

Footnote: This medal was instituted on 9 December 1933 and awarded to Bulgarian and Bulgarian allied force participants of the Great War. It was issued to all WWI veterans including military personnel, non-combatants, and relatives of KIAs. The medal was awarded until December 31, 1939. 

4.Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Medal for the September 1923 Uprising. Silvered bronze, obverse bearing a depiction of the uprising, on original triangular ribbon, evidence of enamel wear on obverse and reverse, very fine condition. 

Footnote: The medal was awarded to all surviving anti-fascist participants in the June and September 1923 Bulgarian uprisings on the event of the 25th anniversary.

5.Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Military Order of Bravery IV Class II Grade, '1941' issue. Maltese cross with a circular center and crossed swords, red enameled Maltese cross, the center of the badge bearing a gilded lion rampant on a dark red enameled background surrounded by the inscription ЗА ХРАБРОСТЬ 1941, reverse bearing a crowned royal cypher on a dark red enameled background surrounded by the inscription КНЯЗЬ НА БЪЛГАРIЯ 1879, on original ribbon, wear and fading evident on ribbon, 40 mm, very fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order was instituted on 13th January 1880 and awarded to army officers and generals only, for demonstrated bravery and valor during military action.

6.Bulgaria, An Order of the People’s Freedom. Five-pointed star in red enamel, centerpiece bearing the profile of Hristo Botev surrounded by inscription, on original pentagonal mount, 47.4 mm, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: This Order was founded in commemoration of the establishment of the People's Republic of Bulgaria. It was awarded only once to reward foreign citizens and Bulgarians for rendering service in Bulgaria's revolutionary efforts, and in the battle against capitalism and fascism.

7. Albania, Kingdom. A Medal for Liberation of the Country. Gold medallion, obverse bearing image of soldier holding flag with inscription, on a pentagonal mount, 32 mm, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The medal was instituted in 1945 and awarded to those who fought during WW2 against the Italian and German Occupational Forces. 

8. Albania, Kingdom. A Medal for Military Service. Gold medallion, obverse bearing several items including a tank, a book, and a telescope, reverse inscription, on the original pentagonal mount, 32.5 mm, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote:The Order of Military Service was instituted in 1949 in a single class for substantial contributions to military service.The Order was awarded to Generals and Officers of the People's Army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for excellent results in commanding Units and Subdivisions. 

9. Albania, An Order of the Red Star. Five-pointed star in red enamel, center medallion bearing the image of a soldier surrounded by a wreath, on the original pentagonal mount, 43.5 mm, in very fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order was established on November 20, 1952 and awarded for good leadership in time of war and for very good achievements in the war against enemies of the people in peacetime.

10. Albania, Kingdom. A Medal for Bravery. Gold medallion, obverse shows soldier holding a rifle, reverse inscription, on pentagonal mount, 31.6 mm, ribbon intact, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: These medals were honorary awards given to the citizens, families and military units in the People's Socialist Republic of Albania. 

11. Albania, Kingdom. A Medal for Bravery. Gold medallion, obverse shows soldier holding a rifle, reverse inscription, on pentagonal mount, torn ribbon, 31.6 mm, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: These medals were honorary awards given to the citizens, families and military units in the People's Socialist Republic of Albania.