Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Miniature Military Order Of Bravery, Iv Class

(Военна ордена на смелостта, Гранд Крос). Instituted in 1880. Type III with date 1915. A fine period miniature order, in silver with red and white enamels, measuring 16.2 mm (w) x 19 mm (h), tiny chip evident in the white enamels on the reverse centrepiece ring, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Military Order for Bravery is the oldest and most recognizable order in the history of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. Its history begins in 1879 when the first Constitution of the Bulgarian Principality had been passed by the National Parliament in Tarnovo. Under clause 58 of this new highest document, it was stated that within the borders of the newly established state, "…no noble titles and orders of distinction may exist of any sort". However, the next clause makes an exception by allowing the new Monarch to establish "a single decoration for military distinction in wartime and only for army men". This clause made it possible for the order to be established on January 1, 1880, as the nation’s only official order which is being awarded for exceptional military deeds and demonstrated valour on the battlefield.