Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar to a Distinguished Bavarian Combatant of the First World War

(Ordensschnalle).  A medal bar to a distinguished Bavarian combatant of the First World War, featuring six decorations, including:

1. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, I Class with Swords, constructed of silvered copper with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, unmarked, measuring 42.32 mm (w) x 49.70 mm (h), weighing 21.5 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of silver finish with some tarnishing of the copper base, in very fine condition.

2. 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, unmarked, measuring 43.07 mm (w) x 46.05 mm (h), weighing 12.7 grams, in better than very fine condition.

3. A Saxon Albert Order, II Class Knight’s Cross with Swords, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a raised profile of Duke Albert III, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing an inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE BOLD”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded and enameled Saxon coat of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing an institution date of “1850” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral suspension ring and loop connecting to a period original ribbon, the three and nine o’clock arms bearing a maker’s mark of “SCHARFFENBERG, DRESDEN” for the noted Saxon court jeweller G.A. Scharffenberg, with the firm’s “S” monogram also visible on the six o’clock arm, measuring 34.46 mm (w) x 44.45 mm (h), weighing 19.4 grams, demonstrating some flecking to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.

4. A Kyffhäuser League Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse engraver marked “HOSAEUS”, measuring 30.91 mm (w) x 47.16 mm (h), weighing 18.0 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

5. A Prince Regent Luitpold Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.16 mm (w) x 44.40 mm (h), weighing 23.3 grams, in extremely fine condition.

6. A Bavarian Long Service Cross, II Class for 24 Years, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 45.86 mm (w) x 50.17 mm (h), weighing 17.7 grams, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 145 mm-long bar with a zink core and horizontal pinback, unmarked, demonstrating some wear and soiling to the ribbons with crude post-manufacture attachment of the Bavarian Long Service Cross resulting in a compromised catch, in very fine condition.