Bavaria, Kingdom. A Royal Merit Order of St. Michael, Grand Cross Star, by Gebrüder Hemmerle

(Verdienstorden vom Heiligen Michael Bruststern zum Großkreuz). Instituted 16 February 1837 by King Ludwig I. (1837-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with Gold and enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed pebbled star, the obverse bearing a central Cross Pattée with ribbed and gilded arms situated within a pebbled border, with the arms bearing raised initials “P-F-F-P” for “PRINCIPI FIDELIS FAVERE PATRIA” (“FAITHFUL TO THE PRINCE TO SERVE THE FATHERLAND”), with a central blue enameled disc overlaid by a Gold inscription of “QUIS UT DEUS” (“WHO IS LIKE GOD”), similarly surrounded by a pebbled border, the reverse with four visible rivets securing the obverse cross in place, with a barrel hinge and tapering flattened pinback meeting a rounded catch, maker marked “JUWELIERE GEBR. HEMMERLE VORM. ELCHINGER, MÜNCHEN”, measuring 93.68 mm (w) x 92.67 mm (h), weighing 106.9 grams, a striking example of a scarce award in extremely fine condition.