Germany, Imperial. A Multi-State Medal Bar for a Distinguished First World War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a distinguished combatant of the First World War, featuring 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 42.85 mm (w) x 46.42 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, III Class with Crown and Swords, constructed of coppered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central Bavaria lion rampant situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a sword clasp and culminating in a crown suspension with loop, unmarked, measuring 42.82 mm (w) x 64.32 mm (h), in better than very fine condition.

3. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Silver Merit Medal, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon affixed with a “1914/6” bar with sword clasp, the obverse bearing a raised and rightward-facing profile of Carl Eduard of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a central Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), unmarked, measuring 30.40 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

4. 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, the obverse bearing central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 37.58 mm (w) x 42.00 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

5. A Prussian 9-Year Long Service Award, constructed of a silvered alloy, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 30.02 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 140 mm-long bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool liner, in extremely fine condition.