Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, III Class with Swords, Crown, and Case, by Jacob Leser

(Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Schwertern, Krone, und Etui). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1913-1918 issue). Constructed of coppered bronze, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crown suspension with a loop retaining a civilian issue ribbon, unmarked, measuring 42.70 mm (w) x 65.08 mm (h), weighing 28.8 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered inscription of “BAYR. M. V. KR. 3. KL. M. D. KR.”, the interior with a white satin lid liner bearing a gilt maker’s mark of “HOFKUNSTANSTALT JACOB LESER, STRAUBING”, with a fitted blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, measuring 60 mm (w) x 85 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.