Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with Swords and Custom Case, by Weiss & Co.

(Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1913-1918 issue). Constructed of coppered bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse with a raised central monogram of King Ludwig II, set within a stylized belt and buckle bearing a raised inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”), the twelve o’clock arm with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse with a raised central Bavarian lion rampant, set within a stylized belt and buckle bearing a raised institution date of “1866” with arabesques, accompanied by a ribbon bar featuring three decorations, including a Bavarian Long Service Medal, a 1914 Iron Cross, and a Bavarian Military Merit Cross, set on a 60 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback, unmarked, both accompanied by a custom-fitted presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silver embossed inscription of “BAYR. M. V. KR. 3. KL.”, the interior with a padded purple satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted purple velvet medal bed, opening with a functional metal snap button and a functional metal hinge, the lid liner maker marked “WEISS & CO. ORDENFABRIK, MÜNCHEN”, measuring 65 mm (w) x 90 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), moderate material fatigue is evident to the ribbon bar and case, in overall near extremely fine condition.