Germany, Imperial. A Hanseatic Medal Bar for a First World War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant featuring three 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, the suspension loop stamped with an illegible maker’s mark, measuring 43.28 m (w) x 47.12 mm (h), in near mint condition.

2. A Bremen Hanseatic Cross, constructed of silvered copper with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms, bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered Bremen coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 39.90 mm (w) x 44.30 mm (h), the reverse bears handwritten black ink, in near 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 maker marked with the logo of an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 38.26 mm (w) x 43.09 mm (h), the reverse bears handwritten black ink, in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 100 mm-long bar with a magnetic metal core, horizontal pinback, and maroon wool liner, demonstrating some fading to the ribbons, in extremely fine condition.