Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with Swords and Case, by Jacob Leser

(Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Instituted 19 July 1866. (1913-1918 issue). Constructed of coppered bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Ludwig II, within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”), the twelve o’clock arm with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866”, unmarked, measuring 42.83 mm (w) x 50.50 mm (h), weighing 22.8 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux light blue leather exterior, the lid bearing a silver embossed inscription of “BAYR. M. V. KR. 3. KL.”, the interior with a padded blue rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, maker marked “HOFKUNSTANSTALT UND ORDENFABRIK JACOB LESER, STRAUBING”, with a white rayon strap securing in place the cross ribbon, with a slotted blue velvet medal bed, opening with a functional metal snap button and functional metal hinge, measuring 60 mm (w) x 86 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), with some fading and fatigue evident to the exterior of the case, in overall extremely fine condition.