Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with Swords and Case, c.1918

(Militärverdienstkreuz, III. Klasse mit Schwertern 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 raised central monogram of King Ludwig II, within a stylized belt bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”), the twelve o’clock arm overlaid by a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a raised central Bavarian lion rampant, within a stylized belt bearing an institution date of “1866”, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 42.90 mm (w) x 50.15 mm (h), weighing 23.1 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux purple leather exterior, the lid bearing a gilt embossed inscription of “BAYR. M. V. KRZ. 3. KL.”, with a sliding insert, featuring a padded blue rayon medal bed, material fatigue is evident to the case and incluse the loss of a side panel, the cross in extremely fine condition.