Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, Military Division, IV Class Cross with Swords by Weiss & Co.

(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 black enameled medallion, overlaid by a gilded monogram of King Ludwig II, set within a white enameled belt and buckle, bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central black enameled medallion, overlaid by a gilded Bavarian lion rampant, set within a white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the obverse twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp and topped by a stylized suspension and loop retaining a period original ribbon, the reverse of the suspension maker marked with the logo of Weiss & Co., Munich, and bearing a silver content number of “950”, measuring 40.93 mm (w) x 48.13 mm (h), weighing 25.0 grams, the sword clasp has loosened but remains firmly secured in place and minor flecking is evident to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.