Bavaria, Kingdom. A Royal Merit Order of St. Michael, Merit Cross, c.1900
(Verdienstorden vom Heiligen Michael Verdienstkreuz). Instituted 16 February 1837 by King Ludwig I. (1887-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original tri-fold ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a raised and finely-detailed depiction of St. Michael trampling the devil, the former clutching a shield bearing a blue enameled inscription of “QUIS UT DEUS” (“WHO IS LIKE GOD”), the reverse bearing a central circular medallion overlaid by a blue enameled inscription of “VIRTUTI” (“VIRTUE”), the suspension ring stamped with an illegible silver hallmark, measuring 36.58 mm (w) x 41.43 mm (h), weighing 17.2 grams, in near extremely fine condition.