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

(Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Schwertern, Krone, und Etui). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1913-1918 issue). Constructed of coppered bronze, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Ludwig II, set within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, set 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 suspension loop, unmarked, measuring 42.63 mm (w) x 49.06 mm (h), weighing 19.2 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux light blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing an embossed and silvered inscription of “BAYR. M. V. KR. 3. KL.”, the interior with a padded blue satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former maker marked “WEISS & CO., MÜNCHEN” and overlaid by a strap to secure the ribbon in place, with a depressed dark navy blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, the award’s ribbon is missing and the case demonstrates minor material fatigue to the exterior, in near extremely fine condition.