Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, III Class Cross with Crown and Swords, c.1918

(Militär-Verdienstorden Kreuz III. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined together through the quadrants by stylized flames, the obverse bearing a black enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded monogram of King Ludwig II, set within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the revere bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a gilt Bavarian lion rampant, set within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp and topped by a hollow crown suspension with a loop retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 41.42 mm (w) x 65.77 mm (h), weighing 29.6 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels and some loosening of the sword clasp, in near extremely fine condition.