Bavaria, Kingdom. A Royal Merit Order of St. Michael in Gold, III Class, by Gebrüder Hemmerle, c.1900

(Königlicher Verdienstorden vom hl. Michael), III Klasse). Instituted 16 February 1837. A straight armed cross paty constructed of gold and blue enamel arm faced, the obverse bears an ovular centre plate with a raised image of the Archangel Michael on the vanquished dragon, a blue enamel cross is on his breastplate and his shield bears “QUIS UT DEUS” (Who (is) like God?) in blue enamel, the reverse bears a circular centre plate with “VIRTUTI” (VIRTUE) in blue enamel, with ornate suspension with crown on a suspension ring, measuring 35.95 mm (w) x 61.43 mm (h) (inclusive of crown), marked on ring 750 Gold content and maker marked Gebrüder Hemmerle, better than extremely fine. Housed within original case of issue, contructed of pebbled black material the exterior lid bears a gilt border and gilt inscription “Verdienstkreuz vom hl. Michael. m.d.K.” with a unique hook and circular loop, the interior lid is constructed of off-white fabric with a gilt Gebrüder Hemmerle logo in the centre, the medal bed is constructed of deep red velvet with an off-white fabric bed for the ribbon, measuring 58.41 mm (w) x 111.68 mm (h), near mint.