Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar to a Bavarian First World War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar to a Bavarian 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, unmarked, measuring 43.80 mm (w) x 47.25 mm (h), weighing 18.2 grams, in extremely fine condition.

2. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, II Class with Swords, constructed of silvered copper with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle, bearing a silvered inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle, bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, unmarked, measuring 41.87 mm (w) x 49.54 mm (h), weighing 20.8 grams, demonstrating minor loss of finish throughout, in near extremely fine condition.

3. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for Combatants, 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 37.77 mm (w) x 42.63 mm (h), weighing 13.1 grams, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 75 mm-long bar with a magnetic metal core and horizontal pinback, unmarked, in extremely fine condition.