Bavaria, Kingdom. A Military Merit Cross, II Class with Swords

(Militärverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. (1905-1913 issue). Constructed of silvered copper with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a raised 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, unmarked, measuring 40.16 mm (w) x 49.30 mm (h), weighing 21.8 grams, demonstrating minor loss of silver finish to the base metal, in near extremely fine condition.