Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Crown and Swords, c. 1915

(Militär-Verdienstorden Kreuz  IV. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with Gold and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined through the quadrants by stylized flames, the obverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion featuring a black enameled centrepiece, in turn bearing a raised Gold 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 crosse sword clasp, the reverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion featuring a black enameled centrepiece, in turn bearing a raised Gold Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, topped by a hollow crown suspension culminating in a loop which retains a period original ribbon, both the reverse of the swords and the obverse of the loop stamped with silver content numbers of “900”, measuring 40.64 mm (w) x 63.83 mm (h), weighing 32.2 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, a fine-quality wartime-produced example in extremely fine condition.