Antique Quest Chronicles: Rare Military Buttons Unearthed at Antiques & Art in Varna

Explore the story behind two extraordinary sets of military buttons from the Third Bulgarian Kingdom - rare relics from a turbulent era - and a compact brass tire tread depth gauge engraved with the Continental logo. These unique finds, discovered during my summer vacation in Varna, Bulgaria, each carry a piece of history, offering a glimpse into the past.

What better way to end a day at the beach than unearthing rare treasures in a hidden antique shop? Follow me on this journey through Varna, where history meets the thrill of the hunt!

A Summer in Varna: Beyond the Beach

In August 2024, I traveled to Varna, Bulgaria - a vibrant city on the Black Sea known as the "sea capital" of the country. Unlike my usual meticulously planned antique hunting trips, where the goal is to uncover rare treasures for my customers while balancing the bottom line, this journey was part of my summer vacation. Much like my recent trip to South-West England, where I had to rethink my plans, this was another instance where the hunt wasn’t bound by financial pressures. Instead, it was an opportunity to explore, enjoy, and uncover history for its own sake.

Varna, Bulgaria’s third-largest city, combines the charm of a tourist hotspot with a history often overshadowed by its years behind the Iron Curtain. Today, with its sunny beaches, excellent cuisine, and nearby resorts like Golden Sands and Albena, it’s a destination worth exploring. Even French President Emmanuel Macron once praised Varna’s beauty on his Instagram account!

While soaking in the sun and enjoying the sea, I couldn’t resist carving out time to explore the city’s antique scene. My first stop was a small but well-curated shop called Antiques Shop Gallery “Antiques & Art” located conveniently in the pedestrian zone of Varna’s city center - just a 10-minute stroll from the beach.

Discovering Antique Treasures in the Heart of the City

Antiques Shop Gallery “Antiques & Art” is a treasure trove of diverse items sourced from around the world. Asian art, numismatics, watches, crystal glasses, militaria, silverware, antique furniture, and paintings by old masters all share space in this compact yet thoughtfully arranged shop. The shop owner’s depth of knowledge about his inventory impressed me greatly, and it was a pleasure to discuss the history behind some of the objects on display.

Among the many fascinating items, two sets of military buttons from the Third Bulgarian Kingdom caught my attention immediately. These items are exceptionally rare, given Bulgaria’s communist regime’s systematic efforts from 1944 to 1989 to erase symbols associated with the monarchy. Owning such items during that period could result in imprisonment, which makes their survival into modern times remarkable.

The Rare Military Buttons of Bulgaria

The first set consisted of nine large (24mm) ceremonial officer’s buttons and one smaller (15mm) button, dated to around 1930. These buttons bear the royal monogram of Tsar Boris III of Bulgaria, intricately designed with a spring mechanism to keep the buttons close to the fabric even when unbuttoned. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are extraordinary, reflecting the ceremonial role they played.

Tsar Boris III, who reigned from 1918 until his death in 1943, is a figure of historical intrigue. Known for his diplomatic finesse during turbulent times, he navigated Bulgaria through the complexities of World War II while maintaining its independence. Finding these buttons in untouched original condition was a rare delight. It didn’t take long for an antique enthusiast from Sofia to acquire them - items like this are highly sought after by collectors.

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The second set comprised five large (23mm) battle uniform buttons and two smaller (16mm) buttons, all embossed with the crowned lion symbol of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. Unlike the ceremonial buttons, these were made of white metal, a less expensive material suitable for military use during active duty. Despite their functional purpose, they remain beautifully designed and are in original, unpolished condition. This set quickly found a home with a collector from Vienna.

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A Curious Find: A Compact Tire Tread Depth Gauge

While browsing the shop, a small but intriguing object also caught my eye - a brass tire tread depth gauge engraved with the Continental logo. This pocket-sized tool, likely from the early 2000s, was perhaps part of a marketing campaign by the renowned tire company. Despite its relative modernity compared to the military buttons, its craftsmanship and practicality made it a standout find. Fully functional and in excellent condition, it’s the kind of item any car enthusiast would appreciate. Its estimated value is modest - around €20 - but it’s a charming and useful collectible.

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A Glimpse into Bulgarian Numismatics

During my visit, I had the pleasure of seeing one of Bulgaria’s rarest gold coins: the 100 Leva gold coin from 1894. Minted in .900 gold, this coin is considered the crown jewel of many collections. Its scarcity and historical value make it one of the most sought-after Bulgarian coins, and owning one typically requires a significant investment. While I didn’t acquire it on this trip, seeing such a piece in person added to the experience of stepping back in time through the shop’s offerings.

A Perfect Ending to a Summer Day

As the sun set on Varna, I reflected on what a remarkable day it had been. I started with a leisurely walk through the city, spent the afternoon enjoying the beach, and wrapped it up by uncovering some truly unique pieces of history in a hidden gem of an antique shop.

The buttons and tire gauge I purchased were paid for in cash, and the shop owner kindly offered a small discount for buying multiple items. While I didn’t enter the shop with financial goals in mind, I left with a deeper appreciation for Bulgaria’s history and culture - and a few treasures to add to my collection.

In my next adventure, I’ll share the story of yet another successful visit to an antique shop, again discovered on my way back from the city’s beach. Until then, happy hunting!