Original Bulgarian WWI Decoration – War Variant – Non-Enamel Issue
Key Information
• Country: Bulgaria
• Award: Order of Civil Merit
• Class: 5th Class Knight
• Variant: With Swords (War Merit)
• Period: Ferdinand I / WWI Era
• Material: Silvered base metal
• Enamel: None – wartime manufacture variant
• Suspension: Original swords suspension
• Ribbon: Straight order ribbon (non-triangular mounting)
• Dimensions: approx. 49.54 x 44.82 mm
Medal Description
Original Bulgaria Order of Civil Merit, 5th Class Knight with Swords, dating to the reign of King Ferdinand I during World War I.
The order features the traditional Bulgarian cross design with crossed swords indicating wartime or military-related service. The obverse displays the Bulgarian heraldic lion surrounded by the inscription:
“ЗА ГРАЖДАНСКА ЗАСЛУГА”
Translation: “For Civil Merit”
The reverse bears the royal monogram of King Ferdinand I.
War-Time Manufacture Variant
This example represents a documented wartime simplified production version manufactured without enamel filling due to wartime production limitations. Such examples are recognized as authentic historical variants.
Condition
The order remains in solid original collectible condition.
• Silvered finish shows natural age wear and toning
• Medal manufactured without enamel (period variant, not damage)
• Swords suspension remains intact
• The ribbon is mounted as a straight order ribbon rather than traditional triangular Balkan style
• Ribbon shows age wear and interior traces of brown mounting tape
• No structural repairs observed
Please review photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Historical Significance
The Order of Civil Merit was instituted in 1891 to reward distinguished service to the Bulgarian state. The swords variant signified merit connected to wartime or military operations.
Examples produced during WWI reflect historical wartime manufacturing adaptations and remain collectible among Balkan and WWI award specialists.
Collector Notes
Straight ribbon mounting is commonly encountered on replacement or later mounted examples and does not affect authenticity of the order itself.