Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Swords and Crown, by Weiss & Co.

(Militär-Verdienstorden Kreuz IV. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined through the quadrants by stylized flames, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a silver monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within 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 black enameled medallion overlaid by a silver Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle, bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, topped by a crown suspension culminating in a loop retaining an original ribbon, the reverse of the sword clasp maker marked with the logo of Weiss & Co., Munich, with a silver content number of “900”, measuring 41.05 mm (w) x 63.30 mm (h), weighing 28.2 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.