Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Merit of the Crown in Gold, Miniature, c.1870

(Verdienstorden der Bayerischen Krone, Ritterkreuz Miniatur). Instituted 19 March 1808 by King Maximilian Joseph I. (1808-1918 Issue). A Gold eight-armed Maltese cross with white and red enamels, as well as a green enameled laurel wreath between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central Gold medallion depicting a rightward facing bust of King Maximilian Joseph I, surrounded by a ring of red enamels, inscribed “MAX. JOS. BOJ. REX” (“MAXIMILIAN JOSEPH KING OF BAVARIA”) in gold enameled lettering, the reverse with a center medallion of white and light blue checkered enamels depicting a gold enameled Bavarian crown, surrounded by a ring of red enamel, inscribed with order motto “VIRTUS ET HONOS” (“VIRTUE AND HONOUR”), suspended from a swivel crown suspension with loop, unmarked, measuring 17.44 mm (w) x 28.70 mm (h) and weighing 3.3 grams, minor flecking of enamels evident but otherwise in extremely fine condition.