Bavaria, Kingdom. An Order Of Military Merit, I Class Cross with Swords and Crown, by Gebrüder Hemmerle, c.1918

(Militär-Verdienstorden, I. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern). Instituted 19 July 1866 by King Ludwig II. Military Division. (1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with its arms joined together through the quadrants by stylized and exceptionally detailed flames, the obverse bearing a central black enamelled medallion overlaid by a gilded and crowned monogram of King Ludwig II, set within a white enamelled belt and buckle bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central black enamelled medallion overlaid by a gilded Bavarian lion rampant, within a white enamelled belt and buckle bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, with a crossed sword clasp riveted to the twelve o’clock arm by a stylized fan which emanates from the edge of the frame, in turn topped by a swivel hinge retaining a hollow gilt crown topped by a loop, in turn retaining a suspension ring, the reverse of the sword clasp maker marked “GH” for Gebrüder Hemmerle, Munich, and stamped with a silver content number of “900”, measuring 66.5mm (w) x 104.9 mm (h), weighs 60.33 grams, careful period repair to the reverse 3 o’clock arm, a lovely decoration in near extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a segment of sash ribbon in blue, white and black silk, measuring 100 mm (w) x 420 mm, in very fine condition.