Germany, Wehrmacht. A Long Service Medal Bar for a First World War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant who rendered distinguished long service, 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 marked with an illegible maker’s logo, measuring 42.56 mm (w) x 46.29 mm (h), weighing 16.7 grams, in extremely 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”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Ochs & Bonn, Hanau, measuring 37.45 mm (w) x 42.30 mm (h), weighing 13.3 grams, an example produced by a scarce manufacturer in extremely fine condition.

3. A Wehrmacht 4-Year Long Service Award, constructed of magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with Heer/Kriegsmarine device, the obverse bearing a Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, circumscribed by an inscription of “TREUE DIENSTE IN DER WEHRMACHT” (“FAITHFUL SERVICE IN THE WEHRMACHT”), the reverse bearing a wreathed number “4”, unmarked, measuring 30.35 mm in diameter, weighing 12.1 grams, demonstrating minor loss of finish, in better than very fine condition.

4. A Wehrmacht 18-Year Long Service Award, constructed of magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with Heer/Kriegsmarine device, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing a central Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central number “18”, unmarked, measuring 36.00 mm (w) x 41.56 mm (h), weighing 14.4 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of finish, in better than very fine condition.

All suspended from a 125 mm-long bar with a horizontal pinback and field-grey wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating minor soiling to the ribbons, a Third Reich-period assembly in near extremely fine condition.