Description
This is a mini group consisting of the Military Service Cross 3rd Class with Crown and Swords (Militär-Verdienstkreuz 3. Klasse mit der Krone und mit Schwerten) from the Kingdom of Bavaria. The decoration was first authorized in 1866 during König (Mad) Ludwig II’s reign, when Bavaria fought on Austria’s (losing) side with her other allies (Saxony, Württemberg, Hannover, and Braunschweig) in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War. The decoration was awarded in three levels (1st through 3rd Classes). It was similar to the Iron Cross awards’ family, except it was awarded during peacetime as well as wartime. The cross was awarded by itself during peacetime. During wartime, it was awarded with swords. A higher level of the award featured a large crown. It is the latter we are offering today. The decoration, swords, and oversized crown are all bronze-toned and in very fine condition. A blue, white, and black ribbon is attached. The document accompanies it is very high-quality. It represents an early-war example, and measures 13″ x 8 1/4.” The King of Bavaria is mentioned at the top. The award was issued to a Max Kuhnigk, and is dated 23 December 1914. The document is countersigned by the Ordens-Großkanzler. Both document and decoration are in very fine condition.
