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

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a distinguished First World War combatant, featuring five 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, without visible marks, measuring 42.42 mm (w) x 46.06 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. An Oldenburg House Order of Peter Friedrich Ludwig, Military Division, II Class Honour Cross, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of Grand Duke Peter Friedrich Ludwig, circumscribed by an inscription of “EIN GOTT, EIN RECHT, EINE WAHRHEIT” (“ONE GOD, ONE LAW, ONE TRUTH”), the reverse bearing a central raised Oldenburg coat of arms, unmarked, measuring 33.44 mm (w) x 38.20 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A Hesse General Honour Decoration, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR KRIEGS-VERDIENST” (“FOR WAR MERIT”), situated within a circular laurel and oak leaf wreath, unmarked, measuring 33.36 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.

4. 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 bearing a hidden maker’s mark, measuring 37.40 mm (w) x 42.94 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

5. A Long Service Award, I Class for 15 Years, constructed of copper, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with ribbed borders, the obverse bearing a central raised crown, the reverse bearing a central raised number “XV”, unmarked, measuring 36.02 mm (w) x 39.23 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 140 mm-long non-magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and black wool reverse liner, demonstrating minor soiling to the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.