Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, II Class with Crown and Swords
(Militärverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1913-1918 issue). Constructed of a silver alloy, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central black enameled disc overlaid by a monogram of King Ludwig II, within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp and topped by a crown suspension with loop, the latter connecting to a magnetic metal bar with a period original ribbon, crossed sword clasp, and horizontal pinback, unmarked, measuring 42.31 mm (w) x 66.19 mm (h), weighing 25.6 grams, demonstrating moderate oxidation, in very fine condition.

