Bavaria, Kingdom. A Merit Cross, III Class with Crown & Swords with Case, c.1915

(Militär-Verdienstorden). Instituted 19 July 1866. 1915 Issue. An eight-pointed cross, cross arms are grained and bordered with polished edges, obverse centre bear a crocheted “L” under the Bavarian royal crown surrounded by a wide hoop in the form of a belt with a buckle at the bottom, “MERENTI” is inscribed at the top, a crossed sword ornament is attached to the 12 o’clock arm with a crown suspension, the reverse centre bears a Bavarian lion surrounded by a wide hoop in the form of a belt, buckled at the bottom, “1866” inscribed at the top, measuring 42.99 mm (w) x 44.25 mm (h), on a white ribbon with blue and black stripes, accompanied by hardshelled blue case of issue, marked "Bayr. M.V.Kr. 3.Kl.m.d.Kr." on the lid, maker marked "DESCHLER & SOHN MUCHEN" on the inside lid, recessed medal bed.