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

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a 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 43.30 mm (w) x 48.08 mm (h), weighing 16.5 grams, in extremely fine condition.

2. A Reuss Silver Merit Medal, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised monogram of Prince Heinrich XIV, the reverse bearing a central wreathed inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST” (“FOR MERIT”), unmarked, measuring 32.72 mm in diameter, weighing 16.8 grams, in extremely 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 37.59 mm (w) x 41.20 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 40.04 mm in diameter, weighing 34.4 grams, in better than very fine condition.

All suspended from a 130 mm-long bar with a trapezoidal bronze core, horizontal pinback, and red wool reverse liner, demonstrating minor fatigue and soiling to the ribbons and liner, in near extremely fine condition.