Germany. A Saxe-Ernestine Medal Bar For First And Second World War Service

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for First and Second World War service, 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 42.70 mm (w) x 46.24 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Silver Merit Medal with 1914/17 Sword Clasp, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised and rightward-facing profile of Duke Carl Eduard of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a central raised Maltese Cross defaced by a Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), unmarked, the medal measuring 30.00 mm in diameter, the clasp measuring 37.72 mm (w) x 17.10 mm (h), with minor and age-appropriate tarnishing evident, in extremely fine condition.

3. 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 bearing an unidentified maker’s mark, measuring 37.48 mm (w) x 42.33 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

4. A War Merit Cross II Class, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, without visible marks, measuring 48.12 mm (w) x 48.39 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

5. A Civil Service 25-Year Long Service Cross, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms joined together through the quadrants by a circular oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a black enameled swastika, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 40.95 mm (w) x 46.13 mm (h), with minor loss of finish evident, in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 150 mm-long zink bar with a horizontal pinback and grey wool reverse liner, unmarked, in extremely fine condition.