Bulgaria War Commemorative Medal 1915 - 1918

on triangular ribbon, condition 2.
453186
25,00

Bulgaria War Commemorative Medal 1915 - 1918

The Bulgarian War Commemorative Medal 1915-1918 (Bulgarian: Военноспоменателен медал 1915-1918) represents a significant decoration of the Kingdom of Bulgaria, instituted to commemorate participation in the First World War. This medal documents Bulgaria's role as an ally of the Central Powers and the associated military efforts during one of history's most devastating conflicts.

Historical Background
Bulgaria entered the First World War on October 14, 1915, on the side of the Central Powers, motivated by territorial ambitions in the Balkans and the desire to reverse territorial losses suffered in the Second Balkan War (1913). Under the leadership of Tsar Ferdinand I and Prime Minister Vasil Radoslavov, Bulgaria participated in significant military operations, particularly the successful offensive against Serbia in autumn 1915, and battles in Macedonia, Greece, and Romania.

Bulgarian forces fought primarily on the Salonika Front (also known as the Macedonian Front), where they faced Allied troops under French, British, Serbian, and later American command. Despite initial successes, protracted fighting, economic exhaustion, and domestic unrest ultimately led to the collapse of the Bulgarian front in September 1918.

Institution and Award Criteria
The War Commemorative Medal was instituted by royal decree after the war's end to honor all members of the Bulgarian armed forces who served actively between 1915 and 1918. The award was granted to soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers of the Army, Navy, and other military formations who participated in combat operations or performed war-related services.

Description and Design
The medal typically displays on the obverse the crowned monogram of Tsar Ferdinand I or patriotic symbols of the Bulgarian Kingdom. The reverse frequently bears the dates 1915-1918 along with other emblematic representations. The characteristic triangular ribbon in Bulgarian national colors of white-green-red distinguishes this decoration from other military awards of the era. The triangular shape of the ribbon was a specific feature of Bulgarian military decorations of this period.

Significance and Collector Value
As a commemorative piece, this medal represents not only the personal military service of its bearers but also a significant chapter of Bulgarian history. The First World War ended for Bulgaria with the Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine (November 27, 1919), which resulted in substantial territorial losses, reparation payments, and military restrictions. The medal thus commemorates a time of national sacrifice and historical upheaval.

For collectors of military historical objects, the Bulgarian War Commemorative Medal represents an important testimony to Balkan history. The indicated condition 2 suggests a well-preserved medal with minor signs of wear, which is quite typical for military decorations over a hundred years old. The combination of historical significance and relative scarcity makes such pieces valued objects in collections relating to First World War history and the Balkan states.

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