Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, Fourth Class with Swords, by Jacob Leser
(Bayerische Militärverdienstorden IV. Klasse mit Schwertern). Issued 1905-1918. A silver Maltese cross with blue enameled arms, and with flames between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a gold crowned cipher of King Ludwig III within a white enameled border 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 also in the form of a buckled belt, dated “1866”; suspended from arabesques with swords - marked “JL” for “Jacob Leser” and “950” for silver content on the swords; on a horizontally pierced loop for suspension from a correct replacement ribbon; measuring 40.41 mm (w) x 48.79 mm (h); weighing 22.4 grams; a proudly worn example with damage to the enamels on the reverse; in overall fair condition.

