Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Swords, by Jacob Leser

(Militär-Verdienstorden Kreuz IV. Klasse mit Schwertern und Etui). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918). Constructed of silver, 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 raised monogram of King Ludwig II, situated with a stylized white enameled belt bearing a silvered inscription of “MERENTI” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle, bearing a silvered institution date of “1866”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an arabesque suspension with a loop retaining a period original ribbon, the reverse of the swords maker marked “J.L.” for Jacob Leser, Straubing, with a silver content number of “900”, and with an additional “900” silver mark stamped onto the ring, measuring 41.26 mm (w) x 50.58 mm (h), weighing 26.4 grams, accompanied by a period presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux light blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered inscription of “BAYR. M. V. O. 4. KL.”, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner featuring a strap to accommodate the decoration’s ribbon, maker marked “GEBRÜDER HEMMERLE, MÜNCHEN, MAXIMILIANSTR. 41”, with a fitted off-white velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, measuring 60 mm (w) x 75 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), demonstrating some tarnishing and flecking to the cross with some material fatigue visible to the case, a fine-quality but mis-matched set featuring examples by two noted jewellers, in near extremely fine condition.