Germany, Imperial. A Hohenzollern Medal Bar for a First World War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant featuring three decorations, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, the suspension loop maker marked “KO” for a widely-documented but unidentified manufacturer, measuring 42.85 mm (w) x 47.13 mm (h), weighing 19.3 grams, in extremely fine condition.

2. A House Order of Hohenzollern, Military Division, Silver Merit Medal, constructed of a silver alloy, consisting of a double-sided circular laurel and oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central Hohenzollern coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Prince Carl of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, circumscribed by an institution date of “DEN 1T. JANUAR 1842”, topped by an integral loop accommodating a sword clasp, in turn culminating in a ring with a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.55, weighing 17.4 grams, in extremely fine condition.

3. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for Combatants, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Reichsverband Pforzheim, measuring 37.92 mm (w) x 42.12 mm (h), weighing 14.5 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 100 mm-long bronze bar with a horizontal pinback, unmarked, demonstrating some soiling to the ribbons and evidence of period repair to the reverse, in  very fine condition.