Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Swords, c.1914

(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 flames, the obverse bearing a central blue enamelled disc overlaid by a silver monogram of King Ludwig II, set within a white enamelled belt and buckle bearing an inscription of MERENTI with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central black enamelled disc overlaid by a silver lion rampant, within a white enamelled belt and buckle bearing a silvered date of “1866” with arabesques, marked on the reverse of the sword with a 900 silver fineness mark, measures 40.8mm (w) x 48.1mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), weighs 27.7 grams (including ribbon), enamels intact, lovely patina, worn on a replacement ribbon, in extremely fine condition.