Austria-Hungary, Empire. A Medal Bar to a Decorated First World War Combatant

(Ordenschnalle eines Frontkämpfers des I. Weltkrieges). A superb medal bar for an Austro-Hungarian First World War combatant, featuring an array of Austrian and German 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 42.56 mm (w) x 46.85 mm (h), demonstrating some surface oxidation to the core, in very fine condition.

2. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for Combatants, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, consisting of a Cross Pattée with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, maker marked with the logo of Bernhard Haarmann, Lüdenscheid, measuring 37.24 mm (w) x 41.85 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. An Austrian Merit Cross, Type III, I Class, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross with red enameled arms, the obverse overlaid by a white enameled medallion bearing a central gilded monogram of Emperor Franz Joseph, situated within a white enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”), the reverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilt date of “1849”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crown suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 35.77 mm (w) x 54.05 mm (inclusive of crown), in better than very fine condition.

4. An Austrian Merit Cross, Type III, III Class, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Latin Cross with red enameled arms, the obverse overlaid by a central monogram of Emperor Franz Joseph, circumscribed by an inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”), the reverse overlaid by a central date of “1849”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crown suspension with its period original ribbon, without visible marks, measuring 36.21 mm (w) x 56.05 mm (inclusive of crown), in better than very fine condition.

5. An Austrian Military Merit Medal, Silver Grade, constructed of silver, the obverse bearing a rightward-facing profile of Emperor Franz Joseph, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a wreath inscription of “SIGNUM LAUDIS” (“SIGN OF PRAISE”), topped by a crown suspension with its period original ribbon, without visible marks, measuring 30.73 mm (w) x 49.64 mm (h) (inclusive of crown), demonstrating a consistent patina throughout, in very fine condition.

6. A Kaiser Wilhelm II commemorative medal, constructed of aluminum, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 33.55 mm in diameter, demonstrating bruising and edge nicks, in very fine condition.

7. An Austrian Bravery Medal, II Class, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a rightward-facing bust of Emperor Karl, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a wreathed inscription of “FORTITUDINI” (“COURAGE”), without visible marks, measuring 31.18 mm in diameter, demonstrating some edge nicks and a consistent patina throughout, in very fine condition.

8. A Karl Troop Cross, constructed of zink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 28.95 mm (w) x 31.92 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 210 mm-long bar with a horizontal pinback, blue wool liner, and brass core, the addition of the Honour Cross and placement of the German decorations suggest late-1930s (post-Anschluss) assembly, demonstrating some soiling to the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.