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

(Ordensschanlle). A medal bar for a Reuss First World War combatant featuring four awards, 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 43.28 mm (w) x 48.10 mm (h), weighing 16.5 grams, in extremely fine condition.

2. A Reuss Silver Merit Medal, constructed of silver, the obverse bearing a central raised and crowned monogram of Prince Heinrich XIV, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST” (“FOR MERIT”), situated within a circular laurel leaf wreath, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.71 mm in diameter, weighing 16.8 grams, weighing 16.8 grams, demonstrating some scratching to the base metal consistent with attempts to clean or polish, in better than very 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 Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 37.63 mm (w) x 41.22 mm (h), weighing 15.1 grams, in extremely fine condition.

4. A Kaiser Wilhelm I Centenary Medal, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 40.06 mm in diameter, weighing 34.4 grams, demonstrating near-total loss of gilt finish, in very fine condition.

All suspended from 125 mm-long trapezoidal bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, demonstrating minor soiling and material fatigue to the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.