Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Case, by Jacob Leser

(Militär-Verdienstorden Kreuz IV. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined together through the quadrants by stylized flames, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered monogram of King Ludwig II, surrounded by a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a silvered inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) and arabesques, the reverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a silver Bavarian lion rampant, within a white enameled belt and buckle bearing a silvered institution daet of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm with a stylized fan suspension connecting to a loop with a period original ribbon, the reverse of the fan stamped with a silver content number of “950” and the maker’s mark of Jacob Leser, Straubing, with an additional “800” silver mark on the loop, measuring 41.82 mm (h), 50.73 mm (h), weighing 23.3 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a light blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing the name and class of the award in embossed silvered text, the interior with a padded satin lid liner maker marked “JACOB LESER, STRAUBING”, with a depressed white velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, measuring 60 mm (w) x 85 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), careful repairs are visible to the enamels of the arms and the case demonstrates moderate material fatigue throughout, in overall very fine condition.