Bavarian Military Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords – Bronze Grade

This is a fine example of the Bavarian Military Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords (Militär-Verdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern), awarded for bravery and exceptional merit in wartime to enlisted men and NCOs of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

Instituted on July 19, 1866 by King Ludwig II, the decoration served as Bavaria’s highest military award for non-commissioned personnel, analogous to the officer’s Military Merit Order. This example is the wartime issue with crossed swords, denoting a combat award.

The bronze Maltese cross features a central medallion with the crowned Bavarian cipher “L” for Ludwig II, surrounded by the motto “MERENTI” (“For Merit”). The reverse medallion bears the date 1866 encircled by a laurel wreath, commemorating the Austro-Prussian War in which Bavaria participated on the Austrian side. The cross is surmounted by a finely detailed Bavarian crown, above which the crossed swords are mounted through the suspension ring.

The ribbon is the correct light blue with white and black stripes, the Bavarian wartime pattern. The bronze finish remains clean and intact, showing only minimal handling wear, with sharp details to the crown, swords, and medallions.

Condition: Excellent. Original ribbon present and neatly folded. Bronze surfaces retain uniform patina without corrosion.

Historical Context:
The Military Merit Cross was awarded from its inception through the First World War, where later wartime issues included both silver and bronze grades. The presence of swords signified an award for deeds performed under enemy fire, making this example representative of combat valor.