| Military Order of Max Joseph Militär-Max-Joseph-Orden | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Badge and breast star of the order | |
| Type | Military order in three classes |
| Awarded for | Bravery and meritorious leadership in battle |
| Description | White-enameled Maltese cross with a blue-enameled center medallion. There are rays between the arms of the Grand Cross and Commander's Cross, but not the Knight's Cross. |
| Country |  Bavaria |
| Presented by | the Kingdom of Bavaria |
| Eligibility | Military officers |
| Status | Obsolete |
| Established | 1 January 1806 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | House Equestrian Order of Saint George |
| Next (lower) | Order of Merit of the Bavarian Crown |
The Military Order of Max Joseph (German: Militär-Max-Joseph-Orden) was the highest military order of the Kingdom of Bavaria. It was founded on 1 January 1806 by Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria, the first king of Bavaria. The order came in three classes:
- Grand Cross (Großkreuz)
- Commander's Cross (Kommandeurkreuz)
- Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz).
Individuals who received the order and were not already members of the nobility were ennobled and would add the title of "Ritter von" to their family name. A Bavarian title of nobility obtained through the Military Order of Max Joseph was valid for the recipient's life only.
The order became obsolete in 1918 with the collapse of the Bavarian monarchy on Germany's defeat in World War I. However, the order's chancery continued to process outstanding award recommendations to at least 1922.