Bayerisch MVK and ribbon

[N Mühlgay]

A couple of years ago, I purchased a Bavarian Militär-Verdienst Kreuz, 3 klasse mit schwertern, with original presentation box (light blue with darker velvet lining) and ribbon. The first thing I noticed, which seems to be a common theme (from what little research I've done) was the relative shortness of the ribbon provided. Considering that the MVK mit schwertern is a wartime award and that examples I've seen date back to the Great War, was the shortness of the ribbon intended to serve only to fulfill display requirements for soldiers in the field?

[Schießplatzmeister]

An interesting question!  The original ribbon provided with the award was much longer.  The long piece provided originally was usually cut to provide either a ribbon for the uniform buttonhole for daily wear, or sometimes was used to add the award to a large medal bar for formal wear.  Thus leaving the short piece that you see.  Also, sadly, dealers will sometimes cut up a long piece (if it survived and make ribbons for awards missing ribbons).  If a recipient had the financial means, he could purchase all of the extra ribbon that he wanted.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

agreed, when the soldier got the award the first order of the day was probably to cut a piece for the buttonhole. His first chance to wear it was probably back in Germany and then he could have the military tailor mount it.

Best

Chris