Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, 4th Class with Swords, by W. & Co.
1905-1918 Issue. (Militärverdienstorden Kreuz 4. Klasse mit Schwertern). A silver Maltese cross with blue enameled arms and flames between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a gold crowned cipher of King Ludwig III, surrounded by a ring of white enamels in the form of a buckled belt with gold letters reading “Merenti” (Latin - “Merit”); the reverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a gold crowned Bavarian lion within a white enameled border in the form of a buckled belt with silver numbers reading “1866” in gold; suspended from a structure composed of arabesques, with crossed swords attached, and a loop with its period original ribbon; marked “W. & Co.” and “900” for silver content; measuring 40.44 mm (w) x 40.40 mm (h); weighing 28.0 grams; in virtually mint condition.

