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

(Militär-Verdienstorden, Kreuz III. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1866-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded 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 gilt monogram of King Ludwig II, surrounded by a white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a gilt Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the obverse of the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp and culminating in a stylized suspension connection a parade-style single mount with a period original ribbon, grey wool reverse liner, horizontal pinback, and bronze core, the reverse of the suspension stamped with a silver content number of “950” and the hallmark of Jacob Leser, Straubing, measuring 40.34 mm (w) x 49.34 mm (h), demonstrating minor flecking and scratching to the enamels with evidence of a possible repair to the reverse twelve o’clock arm, a high-quality example in near extremely fine condition.