Awards of Germany - Order of Military Merit Cross 3rd class with swords

This order was established by King Ludwig II. It was created for brave military exploits, which were not enough to be awarded the Order of Max Joseph, but which, nevertheless, should have been appreciated. Initially, the award consisted of 5 classes: Grand Cross, Comtour, Knight 1st Class, Knight 2nd Class and Cavalier Cross for military merit. On February 26, 1900, an officer's cross was added to the order. He takes a place between the knight of the 1st class and the commander. In 1905, Prince Regent Luitpold reorganized the order. The new classes were now: Grand Cross, 1st Class with Star, 2nd Class with Star, 2nd Class, 3rd Class, 4th Class with Crown, and 4th Class. The Military Merit Cross was divided into 1st and 2nd class. In 1913, the Military Merit Cross was re-transformed. The Order of Military Merit 3rd class has been awarded since 1914 with and without a crown. Since 1916, all classes except the 4th began to be made of gilded silver. At gilt silver crosses, the edging of the lower cross sleeve is wider. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. 1, 1997.

Cross with pointed cross-shaped sleeves, made of gilded silver with dark blue enameled cross-shaped sleeves. Front and rear with a gilded central shield. They are 3 partially made. Between the cross sleeves is a golden flame. On the upper cruciform hand are slopes, crossed, golden swords. Above it is a trawler with an ear and a ribbon ring. (Jacob Reader manufacturer)

Front side:

Round medallion, centre enamelled in black with gold cord - L - under Bavarian royal crown
This is surrounded by a wide white enameled belt hoop at the bottom with a buckle.
It has a curved gold font at the top: - MERENTI - at the bottom of the antennae and points (belt holes

Downside:

black enameled middle medallion golden Bavarian lion
This is surrounded by a wide white enameled belt hoop at the bottom with a buckle.
On it in the upper part there is a golden number: - 1866 - in the lower part of the antennae and points (ribbon holes
The golden edging of the lower cruciform shoulder is wider than the rest.
On the agraffe silver stamps - 950 - as well as the factory signature - J.L. -.
On the blade of the sword is a silver punch - 900 - and - J.L. for Jacob's readers.

Tape:

Tape 1 combat 35 mm, white edging 1 mm, side stripes black/white 2 mm each, blue 4 mm, central stripes 23 mm white.
Volume 2 Civilian 35 mm, stripes black/white/blue/white/black 7 mm each.

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