Bavarian Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with Crown and Swords in Case

This offering presents a superb example of the Bavarian Militär-Verdienstkreuz (Military Merit Cross) 3rd Class with Crown and Swords, complete with its original case of issue by the renowned Munich firm Deschler & Sohn. This decoration, instituted in 1866 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, was the kingdom’s most frequently awarded order for officers, NCOs, and enlisted men for bravery and merit in wartime.

Physical Description

• Decoration: A finely struck bronze cross with textured arms. The obverse center medallion displays the Bavarian lion with the date 1866—the year the order was created—encircled by a decorative wreath. The reverse center bears the royal cipher “L” (for Ludwig II) beneath a Bavarian crown, surrounded by the word MERENTI (“For Merit”).

• Crown and Swords: Suspended from a superbly detailed hollow crown, with a pair of finely executed crossed swords mounted through the ring, denoting an award for military merit under wartime conditions.

• Size: Approximately 38 mm high (without crown) by 40 mm wide.

• Finish: Retains an excellent bronze-gilt finish, with fine detailing preserved throughout.

• Case: Covered in blue leatherette, with wear and loss consistent with age, particularly to the lid. The lid is embossed in silver with the designation Bayr. M.V.Kr. 3. Kl. m. d. Kr. (Bavarian Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with Crown). The interior features a rich violet silk lid liner marked in gilt “Deschler & Sohn, München”, and a dark blue velvet medal bed, complete with functional retaining clasp.

Historical Context

The Bavarian Military Merit Cross was the enlisted man’s and NCO’s equivalent of the Military Merit Order for officers. It was awarded in several classes, with the addition of the Crown and Swords signifying a higher distinction, typically for bravery in combat or exceptional service during wartime.

• The version seen here—3rd Class with Crown and Swords—was frequently awarded during World War I, where Bavarian troops played a central role in the Imperial German Army, particularly in the 6th Army under Crown Prince Rupprecht.

• The issuing house, Deschler & Sohn of Munich, was one of Bavaria’s premier medal manufacturers, known for high-quality strikes and distinctive cases.

Condition

• Cross: Excellent condition overall, with bright bronze finish and sharp detail to both obverse and reverse. No signs of major wear or repair.

• Crown and Swords: Intact and well-detailed, showing only light age patina.

• Case: Fair to good condition, with notable surface loss and scuffing to the exterior but fully intact with working clasp and original fitted interior. The Deschler & Sohn mark remains clear and legible.

Collectability

This is an attractive and complete set, highly desirable due to the presence of its original Deschler & Sohn case, which enhances provenance and display value. The Bavarian Military Merit Cross is a cornerstone decoration for Imperial German collections, particularly those focused on Bavaria or World War I awards.