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

(Militär-Verdienstorden, IV. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamel, 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, within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) and arabesques, with a crossed sword clasp riveted to the twelve o’clock arm, the reverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded Bavarian lion rampant, within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an arabesque suspension apparatus with an integral eyelet and loop retaining a period original ribbon, the loop stamped with a silver content number of “900”, measuring 40.50 mm (w) x 48.68 mm (h), weighing 22.8 grams, with some surface scratching visible to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.