Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, Breast Star Miniature, c.1910

(Militär-Verdienstorden, Bruststern Miniatur). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms set within a Gold frame, with a central black enameled disc overlaid by a gilt monogram of King Ludwig II, within stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm with a loop and suspension ring retaining a period original bow tie-style ribbon with a horizontal pinback, the ring stamped with a silver content number of “900”, measuring 18.93 mm (w) x 22.78 mm (h), weighing 5.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in extremely fine condition.