Description
BAVARIA – MILITARY MERIT CROSS – 3rd CLASS WITH SWORDS – ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE
This is a Military Merit Cross with Swords from Bavaria. The decoration was first instituted in 1866 during König Ludwig II’s reign. It was awarded to military personnel during peacetime and wartime.
It was awarded in three classes: without swords, with swords, or with swords and a crown (as a higher award-level).
This particular example features a burnished gilt finish. The cross measures 1 3/4″ x 1 ½.” Attached to its top is a pair of crossed swords. The cross’s obverse sports Bavarian König Ludwig II’s cypher in its center.
The cross’s reverse displays a rampant Bavarian Lion and 1866, the year the decoration was instituted.
Accompanying the cross is its original presentation case, which measures 3 ½” x 2 ½” x 3/4.” The case is covered in light-blue leatherette. Its name and its decoration class are embossed in silver on its outer lid. Inside the case’s upper lid is a white, silk liner. Its Munich manufacturing firm’s name (Gebrüder Hemerle) is embossed on the white silk. A strap is present in the upper lid to hold the decoration, but no ribbon is at hand. The case’s lower half is velvet, fitted to hold the decoration in place.
It is a fine decoration from a noted Bavarian manufacturer.
