Bulgaria Bulgarian X Years Military Service Cross

[Guest Rick Research]

Found these at a show today and could not resist--

a Boris III issue NCOs' X Years Service Cross (not sure if this is being worn correct obverse up?)

But is the X not supposed to be SILVER colored, and the XX gilded? This is gilt but bears an "X!"

[Guest Rick Research]

And the 1912-1913 Medal for a combatant of the first two Balkans Wars-- the first I've ever had in my paws!

The 1915-1918 World War medals (gold with red and green reversed ribbon colors) are often found in German groups, but not this one, obviously.

[Kev in Deva]

Hallo Rick,

Very nice

here is my silver for comparison. Not sure about my ribbon though but thats what came with it.

Appears to be in real silver, but no marks that I can make out.

Kevin in Deva

Edited March 4, 2007 by Kev in Deva

[Kev in Deva]

The Rear of Mine:

Detail of ribbon ring mount:

Kevin in Deva

[Lukasz Gaszewski]

Found these at a show today and could not resist--

a Boris III issue NCOs' X Years Service Cross (not sure if this is being worn correct obverse up?)

But is the X not supposed to be SILVER colored, and the XX gilded? This is gilt but bears an "X!"

It is OK! The Boris III type (which is on the photo) for 10-year service was in gilt bronze for non-commissioned ranks. Officers had the same type of cross, but in silver.

Cheers,

Lukasz

[Guest Rick Research]

Ah! So Kev's is an officer's? Whew! I'm glad to learn mine is OK! I know these look horrible from the scans (though NOTHING is as cheap and nasty looking as the Bulgarian Soldiers' Crosses for Bravery ) but I'm sure Kev's is as nice as mine is, in the hand.

The finish, and finishing, is actually quite nice, and although starting to get spotty now after 60+ years, I won't try anything to clean this lest it remove what is quite decent matte gilt finish.

Does the lion's side or the initial "B" go on front?

[Ulsterman]

wow! THOSE ARE GREAT!!!

[Lukasz Gaszewski]

Ah! So Kev's is an officer's? Whew! I'm glad to learn mine is OK! I know these look horrible from the scans (though NOTHING is as cheap and nasty looking as the Bulgarian Soldiers' Crosses for Bravery ) but I'm sure Kev's is as nice as mine is, in the hand.

The finish, and finishing, is actually quite nice, and although starting to get spotty now after 60+ years, I won't try anything to clean this lest it remove what is quite decent matte gilt finish.

Does the lion's side or the initial "B" go on front?

Kev - congratulations on your officer rank, Rick - congratulations too and wish you getting promoted to officer asap!!!

Lukasz

BTW: the lion should go to the back.

[Kev in Deva]

Ah! So Kev's is an officer's? Whew! I'm glad to learn mine is OK! I know these look horrible from the scans (though NOTHING is as cheap and nasty looking as the Bulgarian Soldiers' Crosses for Bravery ) but I'm sure Kev's is as nice as mine is, in the hand.

The finish, and finishing, is actually quite nice, and although starting to get spotty now after 60+ years, I won't try anything to clean this lest it remove what is quite decent matte gilt finish.

Does the lion's side or the initial "B" go on front?

Typical finish on these 1915 Bravery Crosses, as mentioned by Rick, again the Silver appears to be in real silver and the other is lighter base metal in gold-gilt. A nice thank you for putting your neck on the line for your country

Also can be found on German WW1 era bars as well.

Kevin in Deva