Bavaria, Kingdon. A MIlitary Merit Cross, II Class with Swords and Case, by Gebrüder Hemmerle

(Militärverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1913 issue). Constructed of silvered copper with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of King Ludwig II, within a stylized white enameled buckle bearing a silvered inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”), the twelve o’clock arm bearing a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, within a stylized belt bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, unmarked, measuring 41.63 mm (w) x 49.72 mm (h), weighing 20.2 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of two pieces of card stock with a faux dark maroon leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered inscription of “BAYR. M. V. KR. 2. KLASSE”, the base bearing a maker’s mark of “GEBR. HEMMERLE, MÜNCHEN”, measuring 52 mm (w) x 90 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), with minor loss of finish and material fatigue evident to the cross and case, respectively, in near extremely fine condition.