Bavarian Military Merit Cross Metals

[Carl Christense]

What were the base metals used in the construction of the Bavarian Military Merit Crosses? Where the various grades plated over a base metal? Did these metals change over time? Any info would be appreciated.

Carl C

[Don D.]

The BMVOs were made of silver and marked appropriately. The BMVKs were plated I believe. Early in the war the base metal was a bronze derivative but towards the end zink was used.

[Ammersee]

I recently bought 2 MVK's...one with swords and one with swords and crown.
I too was interested in the base metals and found a reference that said the MVK with swords was made of brass and copper plated. It also said that the MVK with swords and crown was bronze with copper plating.
I can't confirm this on my MVK's other than to say they both have wear and you can see yellow base metal showing through. Ammersee