Germany, Third Reich. A Medal Bar For First & Second World War Service

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar to a recipient who saw combat service in the Second World War, with later civil and auxiliary service during the Third Reich period. It features 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 43.12 mm (w) x 47.12 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A War Merit Cross II Class, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, without visible marks, measuring 48.55 mm (w) x 48.46 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, 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 an unidentified maker’s logo, measuring 37.37 mm (w) x 42.87 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

4. A Bavarian King Ludwig Cross, constructed of patinated bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of an elongated Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing a central leftward-facing profile of King Ludwig III, the reverse bearing a central raised date of “7. 1. 1916” on a Bavarian checkered background, unmarked, measuring 39.62 mm (w) x 45.18 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

5. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Cross, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms joined through the quadrants by a circular oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a black swastika, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 41.02 mm (w) x 44.55 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 148 mm-long zink bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, unmarked, in extremely fine condition.