Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, IV. Class with Swords, by Weiss & Co.

(Militär-Verdienstorden Kreuz IV. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1918 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined through the quadrants by stylized flames, the obverse overlaid by a central black enameled medallion bearing a silvered monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a silvered inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock position riveted with a sword clasp, the reverse overlaid by a central black enameled medallion bearing a silvered Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a silvered institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a stylized suspension culminating in an eyelet and loop with a period original ribbon, the reverse of the swords maker marked with the logo of Weiss & Co., Munich, measuring 41.08 mm (w) x 48.16 mm (h), weighing 25.1 grams, demonstrating chips to the enamels of the reverse six and twelve o’clock arms which have been crudely repaired, with other flecking and scratching throughout, in very fine condition.