Ferdinand was elected Prince of autonomous Bulgaria by its Grand National Assembly on 7 July 1887, after the previous ruling prince of Bulgaria, Alexander of Battenberg, had abdicated in 1886 after a pro-Russian coup.

Cross for the Election of Prince Ferdinand 1887, First Class breast badge, by Rothe, Vienna, in silver-gilt and enamels, in case of issue. The Cross for the Election of Prince Ferdinand was first awarded on 28 October 1889 with subsequent awards made until 1906. According to Bulgarian archives, 699 First Class, 1019 Second Class and 475 Third Class Crosses were awarded in total.

Extremely fine award in original case of issue. Cross is marked on its ring with the FR and Austrian silver content mark.

Very rare!