Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, I Class with Crown and Swords

(Militärverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1913-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central black enameled disc overlaid by a raised and gilded monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, topped by a crown suspension and ring retaining an original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 42.51 mm (w) x 66.95 mm (h), weighing 28.3 grams, in extremely fine condition