Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit in Gold Third Class, by Gebrüder Hemmerle

(Bayerische Militärverdienstorden, III. Klasse in Gold). c. 1905-1918. A hollow Gold 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, surrounded by a broad white enameled ring in the form of a buckled belt, inscribed “MERENTI” (Latin - Merit), in Gold lettering; 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 in Gold numbers, reading “1866”, suspended from a structure composed of arabesques; on a Gold loop for suspension with its period original tri-fold ribbon; 42.30 mm (w) x 49.77 mm (h); weighing 13.7 grams. Accompanied by its presentation case of issue; constructed of heavy cardstock, with a faux red leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior of the lid embossed “Bayr. M.V.O.” in golden lettering; the interior of the lid lined and and embossed with the maker’s logo of Gebrüder Hemmerle of München; with a recessed medal bed and a slot for the ribbon; with a functional clasp closure and exterior metal hinge; measuring 57 mm (w) x 91 mm (h); extremely shallow and small flaking on the obverse in the white enamels around the two o’clock position; in overall better than extremely fine condition.