Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Swords

(Militär-Verdienstorden Kreuz IV. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined together through the quadrants by stylized silver flames, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded monogram of King Ludwig II, within a stylized belt and buckle executed in gilt and white enamel, bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded Bavarian lion rampant, within a stylized belt and buckle executed in gilt and white enamel, bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, topped by a suspension loop retaining a period original ribbon, the reverse of the sword clasp marked with a silver content number of “900”, measuring 40.32 mm (w) x 47.22 mm (h), weighing 25.0 grams, with minor flecking and scratching visible to the enamels, in overall near extremely fine condition.