König-Ludwig-Kreuz 1916 + Ribbon Bar + Ribbon + Original Award Wrapper

Original König-Ludwig-Kreuz 1916 (King Ludwig Cross 1916), instituted by King Ludwig III of Bavaria on 7 January 1916 to recognise meritorious voluntary service on the home front during the First World War.

The cross features a darkened finish and a central medallion bearing the profile of King Ludwig III on the obverse. The reverse displays the Bavarian lozenge pattern with the founding date “7.1.1916”.

This example is accompanied by blue-and-white original-style award ribbon material (Ordensband), additional ribbon bar and a paper wrapper bearing the crowned “L” monogram associated with King Ludwig III. The cross has an attractive aged appearance, while the ribbon material shows creasing, staining and fraying. The paper wrapper is fragile, with extensive age-related cracking, staining and edge wear.

An appealing First World War Bavarian award group, with its associated ribbon material and paper wrapper. A nice addition to a collection of Imperial German or Bavarian decorations.