Bavaria, Kingdom. A Royal Order of Merit of St. Michael, I Class Knight’s Cross Miniature in Gold, c. 1860

(Königlicher Verdienstorden vom Heiligen Michael, Ritterkreuz I. Klasse in Gold Miniatur). Instituted 16 February 1837 by King Ludwig I. (1837-1887 issue). Constructed of Gold with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with blue enameled arms, the obverse bearing a central blue enameled medallion overlaid by a gilt inscription of “QUIS ET DEUS” (“WHO IS LIKE GOD?”, the translation of the Hebrew name Michael), the arms with lightning bolts emanating from the centrepiece, topped by initials “PFFP (“PRINCIPI FIDELIS FAVERE PATRIA”, or “FAITHFUL TO THE PRINCE TO SERVE THE FATHERLAND”), the reverse bearing a central blue enameled medallion overlaid by a gilt inscription of “VIRTUTI” (“VIRTUE”), the arms similarly bearing lightning bolts and initials “PFFP”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crown device retaining a suspension loop, unmarked, measuring 11.10 mm (w) x 19.27 mm (h), weighing 1.6 grams, demonstrating minor flecking and surface chipping throughout the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.