Germany, Imperial. A Pair of Medal Bars for First World War Combatants

(Ordensschnalle). A pair of medal bars for First World War combatants, including:

1. One featuring two decorations, including 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 loop maker marked “KO” for a widely-documented but unidentified manufacturer, measuring 42.81 mm (w) x 47.97 mm (h), weighing 15.4 grams, in very fine condition, and; a Bremen Hanseatic Cross, constructed of silvered copper with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms, bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered Bremen coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 39.61 mm (w) x 43.62 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, demonstrating some flecking and scratching to the enamels, in better than very fine condition; both suspended from a 60 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating soiling to the ribbons and mothing throughout the liner, in very fine condition.

2. A second one featuring two decorations, including a Württemberg Long Service Award, III Class for 9 Years, constructed of patinated magnetic iron, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 31.61 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition, and; a Bavarian King Ludwig Cross, constructed of blackened bronze, on loop for suspension with a mis-matched ribbon, unmarked, measuring 39.68 mm (w) x 45.73 mm (h), in extremely fine condition; both suspended from a 60 mm-long ribbon bar-style magnetic bar with a horizontal pinback, demonstrating the loss of a 1914 Iron Cross II Class and significant wear to the ribbons, a converted example in fair condition.