Germany, Imperial. A Jubilee Medal Bar for a Distinguished Franco-Prussian War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A superb medal bar for a distinguished combatant of the Franco-Prussian War featuring seven awards, including:

1. An 1870 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 “1870”, 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, unmarked, measuring 42.02 mm (w) x 48.00 mm (h), in extremely fine condition; accompanied by a 25th Jubilee Clasp, constructed of a silver alloy, the obverse consisting of three overlaid oak leaves defaced by a central raised number ‘25”, retaining all attachment prongs, measuring 25.40 mm (w) x 18.30 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Prussian Landwehr Long Service Award, I Class, constructed of silver and Gold, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion bearing a raised monogram of King Wilhelm I, the reverse overlaid by a central Gold medallion bearing a raised number “20” in Roman numerals, unmarked, measuring 39.31 mm (w) x 43.51 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A Commemorative Medal for Combatants of 1870/71, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with “GRAVELOTTE-ST. PRIVAT”, “METZ”, “VILLIERS”, and “PARIS” campaign clasps, unmarked, measuring 29.03 mm in diameter, demonstrating some softening of features to the medal, in very fine condition.

4. A Kaiser Wilhelm I Centenary Medal, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 40.00 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

5. A Hannoverian Jubilee Commemorative Medal for 19 December, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised depiction of the Waterloo Column situated within a circular laurel leaf wreath, the reverse bearing dates “19. DEZEMBER 1803 - 19. DEZEMBER 1903”, above a standard flag and palm branch inserted through a circular oak leaf wreath, unmarked, measuring 39.45 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

6. A Hannover Order of Ernst August, II Class Knight’s Cross, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials and joined through the quadrants by double-sided crowns, the obverse bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of King Ernst August, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a silvered inscription of “SUSCIPERE ET FINIRE” (“TO UNDERTAKE AND FINISH”), the reverse bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered monogram of King George V, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a silvered institution of “DEN XV DECEMBER MDCCCLXV” (“15 DECEMBER 1865”), unmarked, measuring 36.24 mm (w) x 39.70 mm (h), the twelve o’clock arm topped by an arabesque suspension and loop connecting to a period original ribbon, demonstrating some flecking to the enamels with discolourations to both the obverse and reverse of the three and nine o’clock arms consistent with possible restoration or repair, in very fine condition.

7. A Hannover Langensalza Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension, the edge bearing a stamped recipient’s name of “E. MUNCH”, the obverse engraver marked “JAUNER” for Heinrich Jauner, Vienna, measuring 35.93 mm in diameter, demonstrating some edge nicks, in very fine condition.

All suspended from a 170 mm-long bar with a bronze core, horizontal pinback, and red wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating moderate soiling and material fatigue to the ribbons with modifications visible to the Iron Cross ribbon (likely consistent with addition of the Jubilee Clap to the bar), a rare example in very fine condition.