Germany, Imperial. A Fine Order and Medal Bar for a First World War Combatant and Jerusalem Pilgrim

(Ordensschnalle). An exceptional order and medal bar for a distinguished First World War combatant featuring six decorations, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, 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, without visible marks, measuring 43.75 mm (w) x 47.05 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, IV Class Cross, constructed of silver with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with crown and sword device, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted Prussian eagle, situated within a circular gilt ring, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm II, the six o’clock arm maker marked with the logo of Johann Wagner & Sohn, Berlin, measuring 39.09 mm (w) x 43.60 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A Prussian Commemorative Cross 1914-1918 for Combatants, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 38.80 mm (w) x 44.65 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

4. A Lippe War Merit Cross, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised Lippe rose situated within a circular laurel leaf wreath, the six o’clock arm bearing an institution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a monogram of Prince Leopold IV, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR AUSZEICHNUNG IM KRIEGE” (“FOR EXCELLENCE IN WAR”), unmarked, measuring 40.96 mm (w) x 46.34 mm (h), in extremely fine condition,.

5. A Baden Long Service Cross, I Class for 15 Years, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with a period mis-matched ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with ribbed borders, the obverse bearing a central wreathed monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich II, the reverse bearing a central wreathed number “15” in Roman numerals, unmarked, measuring 37.68 mm (w) x 41.53 mm (h), demonstrating some tarnishing, in very fine condition.

6. A Jerusalem Commemorative Cross, constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Clutch Cross with red enameled arms, each joined through the quadrant by a miniature Clutch Cross similarly executed in red enamels, the obverse bearing a central ribbed and gilded medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the reverse bearing a central pebbled and gilded medallion overlaid by a date of “31 OCTOBER 1898” in Roman numerals, unmarked, measuring 37.09 mm (w) x 46.00 mm (h), a rare award distributed to a member of the entourage of Kaiser Wilhelm II for the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to dedicate the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 190 mm-long bar with a bronze core, horizontal pinback, and field-grey wool reverse liner, demonstrating the characteristics of a Third Reich-period assembly with mis-matched award ribbons used as underlays in extremely fine condition; accompanied by a matching ribbon bar measuring 105 mm in length, in near extremely fine condition.