Der Nachlass Leonrod

74 | Wilhelm Freiherr von Leonrod – An Officer’s Cross with Swords of the Bavarian Military Merit Order The breast cross finely wrought in gold by Les- er of Straubing, from the manufacturer’s early World War production. Surmounted by a crown with chased side pieces, the swords typ- ical of Leser, in two-coloured gold, hollow wrought and fastened with a screw on the re- verse. The royal blue enamel of the cross arms in perfect condition, the mark of fineness “750” for 18 carat gold stamped on the inside of the crown, the back cover plate made of gilt bronze and inscribed with the initials “J.L.” for Jacob Leser. On a pin. Width 50.5 mm. Weight 24.4 g. In the presentation case, with “Bayer. M.V.O. Offizierskreuz” of the “Hofkunstanstalt JA- COB LESER Straubing” embossed in silver. The edges of the lid slightly torn, the base stained. In February and March 1915, the manufacturer Leser supplied 30 each of this order grade to the High Chancellery of the MMO. Awarded in 1915, this exquisite breast cross with swords was awarded a mere 247 times during the World War. 247765 I - II € 4.500