Germany, Third Reich. A Medal Bar for First World War & Fire Service

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for First World War and fire service featuring three 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, without visible marks, measuring 43.30 mm (w) x 46.79 mm (h), demonstrating minor surface oxidation throughout the core, in better than very fine condition.

2. 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”, unmarked, measuring 38.16 mm (w) x 43.12 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A Fire Brigade Honour Award, II Class, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Geneva Cross, the obverse with white enameled arms overlaid by stylized red flames and bearing a central white medallion overlaid by a black mobile swastika, the arms joined through the quadrants by a circular ring bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM FEUERLÖSCHWESEN” (“FOR MERIT IN FIRE FIGHTING”), unmarked, measuring 43.50 mm (w) x 46.34 mm (h), demonstrating minor chipping and scratching throughout the enamels with loss of silver finish to the base metal, in better than very fine condition.

All suspended from a 10.5 cm-long non-magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and black wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating minor soiling throughout the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.