Germany, Bavaria. An Order of Military Merit, Third Class with Crown and Swords, c.1914
A fine example of a Bavarian Order of Military Merit Third Class (Bayerische Militärverdienstorden, III. Klasse mit Krone); in silver-gilt, 40mm (x 64mm including crown suspension); finely executed Maltese cross with blue, white, and black enamels; 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 in the form of a buckled belt with golden numbers reading “1866”; suspended from a swivel crown suspension; ring marked "925"; no chipping to enamels, in extremely fine condition.

