Hungarian and Bulgarian WWI Commemorative Medals

Here are two more First World War commemorative medals from the central powers:

After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, both parts of the former dual monarchy created different commemorative medals for their veterans. The Hungarian War Commemorative Medal was instituted in 1929, three years prior to Austria creating a similar medal (shown in my last post). There were two classes of this medal. The one shown here is the combatant’s version “with swords and helmet.” Actually, the combatant’s version was awarded to all active military, regardless of where they served, as well as veterans of Hungary’s allies. The non-combatants version was the same, but without the swords behind the shield or the helmet on the back. Those went to next-of-kin and civilian officials.

The front of the medal depicts crossed swords with a shield with the arms of Hungary and the Holy Crown of Hungary with its distinctive bent cross at the top. These are surrounded by laurel and oak leaves. The reverse has the words "PRO DEO ET PATRIA” (for God and Fatherland) and the years of the war. The medal is silver plated bronze, and the rim is marked “BRONZE” in very small letters at about one o’clock on the edge of the rim. Although official issues are marked bronze like this, I do not believe this is the first official issue because the medal suspension seems thinner than photos of the first issue, and the silver plate isn’t as durable. As you can see, it’s worn off on some of the high points of the medal. It’s tarnished like silver though.

The other medal is the Bulgarian European War Commemorative Medal. It was instituted in 1933, and was available to all WWI veterans including military personnel, non-combatants like medical personnel and civilian officials and next-of-kin. Again, allied veterans were eligible. The ribbon on my example indicates it was awarded to a combatant. Non-combatant ribbons were the same except a white stripe down the middle, and next-of-kin medal ribbons had a black mourning stripe in the center.

Like the Hungarian version, the front of the medal shows crossed swords with a shield, now with the arms and crown of Bulgaria – again surrounded by laurel and oak leaves. The back has a wreath of wheat, laurel, oak and roses to symbolize each of the historical regions of Bulgaria. The 1915-1918 dates are the years of Bulgaria’s participation in the war. This time the medal is in gilt bronze. My particular medal is over 3mm thick, indicating manufacture by the Swiss firm of Huguenin Brothers Co. in 1937. Other manufacturers were located in Germany and Bulgaria itself.