Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, I Class with Crown and Swords

(Militärverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1913-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded copper with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, 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 raised lion rampant, set within a belt and buckle bearing a raised institution date of “1866” with arabesques, with a crossed sword clasp riveted to the obverse twelve o’clock arm, topped by a crown suspension on a swivel hinge with a suspension loop and period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 41.96 mm (w) x 65.49 mm (h), weighing 29.3 grams, demonstrating minor loss of finish, in near extremely fine condition.