Unknown cross?

[Peter J.]

Any ideas on this one

KR
Peter

[leigh kitchen]

I'm sitting looking at my cross - the same as yours other than that mine has the date 1915 under the lion. I can't find the slip of paper that tells me what it is - Bulgarian or Rumanian Cross for Bravery 4th Class or similar.......

[Peter J.]

Thanks Leigh. I hope you´ll find that slip, `cause both Bulgaria
and Rumania were independent 1878. Can you post an image for
comparison?

KR
Peter

[Rick Research]

That is indeed a Bulgarian "Soldiers' Cross for Bravery," either 3rd or 4th Class, and the version of 1878-1915. Only a "bow tie" on the ribbon distinguished between the two grades, so as is this is the 4th (lowest) grade.

This thread has the most Bulgarian stuff pictured:

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...+Cross+Bravery

[dragos03]

Romania uses the latin alphabet, so it couldn't be Romanian.

[Peter J.]

Thanks Rick.
I looked through the thread and I agree with Matt, the Imperial Bulgarian
orders are beautiful. Can´t say the same about this one though, kind of
rough manufacture.

KR
Peter

[Rick Research]

Yup, they ARE ugly little things, hand filed out of a chunka base metal with a less than appealing finish and design that never changed beyond the "1915" addition!

But they were the equivalent of the tsarist Russian Crosses of Saint George (same 4 classes and ribbon bow ties) and were NOT handed out by the box full.

It doesn't look like much, but somebody certainly EARNED that Cross!

[Theodor]

Right Rick, this grade is very rough made, even the gold-plated are the same. But indeed it is a true bravery order, given in quite big quantities, but never for someone's honest eyes, but only for real personal bravery deed at war!

Well, the WWII changed this a little. For example, I do not know on what critaria the Germans received it. For example, Wittman - famous tank ace - has such an order. Also, in the very end of the WWII and later, it was given to true front fighters, but not only, the commies also gave it to some not brave, rather loyal to the cause people...
But a few small exceptions do not change the spirit of the award!

[Peter J.]

Thanks a lot guys . You´re both very correct about the metal-issue.
This is something all we collectors should be reminded of now and then.

KR
Peter

[leigh kitchen]

Thanks Leigh. I hope you´ll find that slip, `cause both Bulgaria
and Rumania were independent 1878. Can you post an image for
comparison?

KR
Peter

The ribbon's seen better days, the cross has 1915 instead of 1878, & measures 33 mm across.

[leigh kitchen]

.

[eschena]

I love Bulgarian decorations, tsarist and commie, and these crosses bewilder me as to why they were so miserably produced considering for what they were awarded. Anyway, here's my 4th class cross with a packet...

[McCulloh]

in 1941/2...

These bulgarian 4th class crosses were awarded quite freely-especially to gebirgsjager, Luftwaffe support units and Heer support units. I have photos of entire companies being awarded this medal at once (at least All the NCOs and most of the gefreiters)
in 1941/42.

[McCulloh]

@1917

Here's a newly awarded one @1917:

[Dave Danner]

It's hard to tell, but from here it looks like that one may be an Order of St. Alexander, 5th Class (Merit Cross) with Swords: