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

(Militär-Verdienstorden Kreuz IV. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). 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 disc overlaid by a gilded monogram of King Ludwig II, set within a stylized gilded and white enameled belt and buckle, bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central black enameled disc overlaid by a gilded Bavarian lion rampant, set within a gilded and white enameled stylized belt and buckle, bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp and suspension loop retaining a period original ribbon, the suspension loop stamped with a silver content number of “900”, measuring 41.23 mm (w) x 50.00 mm (h), weighing 24.4 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux light blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing an embossed and silvered inscription of “BAYR. M. V. O. 4. KL.”, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner overlaid by a strap to secure the ribbon in place, with a depressed white velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, unmarked, measuring 60 mm (w) x 75 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), some flecking is visible to the enamels with cracking and chipping to the obverse three and twelve o’clock arms, with additional minor fatigue visible to the exterior of the case, in overall better than very fine condition.