Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with Swords and Case, by Weiss & Co.

(Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (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, the former with a raised inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”), the twelve o’clock arm with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian national lion rampant, within a stylized belt and buckle, the former with a raised institution date of “1866”, unmarked, measuring 41.71 mm (w) x 48.45 mm (h), weighing 20.0 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux blue leather exterior, the lid bearing a silvered inscription of “BAYR. M. V. KR. 3. KL.”, the interior with a padded blue satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted blue velvet medal bed, opening with a functional metal snap button and functional metal hinge, the lid maker marked “WEISS & CO., MÜNCHEN”, measuring 65 mm (w) x 90 mm (w) x 23 mm (h), with some material fatigue evident to the case, in overall extremely fine condition.