Bavaria, Kingdom. A Pair of Military Merit Crosses, c. 1935

(Militärverdienstkreuze). A pair of Bavarian Military Merit Crosses, including:

1. A Military Merit Cross, II Class with Crown and Swords, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, topped by a crown suspension connecting to a loop retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 40.80 mm (w) x 64.94 mm (h), weighing 24.1 grams, a recipient’s replacement piece produced c. 1935 in extremely fine condition.

2. A Military Merit Cross, I Class with Swords, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, topped by a suspension loop retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 40.49 mm (w) x 49.26 mm (h), a recipient’s replacement piece produced c. 1935 in extremely fine condition.