Bavarian Militär-Verdienstkreuz 3. Klasse mit Krone und Schwertern with Document

Regular price: $425.00
Sale price: $425.00
Regular price

SKU: 06-202

This is a fine Bavarian Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with Crown and Swords (Militär-Verdienstkreuz 3. Klasse mit der Krone und mit Schwertern) complete with its original award document (Urkunde), issued during the First World War.

Historical Context

The Bavarian Military Merit Cross was the Kingdom of Bavaria’s premier award for bravery and merit for NCOs and enlisted men, equivalent in stature to the Prussian Iron Cross for those not eligible for officer decorations. Established in 1866 under König Ludwig II, the award was divided into three classes and could be issued with or without swords depending on whether it was a wartime or peacetime award. The addition of the large crown denoted a higher distinction within its class.

This example represents the wartime version with swords, awarded during the early years of the First World War when Bavarian forces were heavily engaged on both Western and Eastern Fronts.

The Decoration

Bronze-toned cross with finely detailed crown and crossed swords device above the upper arm.
Central medallion bears the crowned Bavarian cipher “L” for Ludwig II, surrounded by “MERENTI.”
Reverse medallion displays the Bavarian lion.
Attached to its correct blue, white, and black ribbon, consistent with early-war issue.
Condition is very fine, showing minor age toning but strong details throughout.

The Document

Large-format award document (approx. 13″ x 8¼″).
Headed with “Seine Majestät der König” beneath the Bavarian crown.
States that the award of the Militär-Verdienstkreuz 3. Klasse mit der Krone und mit Schwertern was made to Unteroffizier Max Kuhnigk of the 1st Magdeburgisches Landwehr-Infanterie-Regiment.
Dated 23 December 1914, placing it in the first winter of the war.
Boldly signed by the Ordens-Großkanzler (Grand Chancellor of Orders), Freiherr von Hertling.
Embossed Bavarian Military Merit Order seal at lower left.
Document remains crisp and clean, with only light age toning, an excellent example of a named Bavarian award certificate.

Translation (key excerpt)

“…His Majesty the King has most graciously found it appropriate to bestow upon Unteroffizier Max Kuhnigk, 1. Magdeburgisches Landwehr-Infanterie-Regiment, the Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with Crown and Swords…”

Collecting Note

Named Bavarian award groups with surviving documents are significantly rarer than loose decorations. This piece not only preserves the original cross in fine condition but also includes its early-war award document to a traceable soldier, making it highly desirable for collectors of Imperial German militaria.