Germany, Imperial. A Rare Medal Bar for Distinguished Medical Service in the First World War

(Ordensschnalle). A rare and superb medal bar for a non-combatant who rendered distinguished medical service during the First World War, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, on loop for suspension with its period original non-combatant’s 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 43.93 mm (w) x 47.78 mm (h), a Third Reich-period example in extremely fine condition.

2. A Merit Cross for War Aid, constructed of feinzink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 41.98 mm (w) x 41.78 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A Red Cross Decoration, III Class, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 33.28 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 95 mm-long bar with a zink core, horizontal pinback, and field-grey wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating moderate soiling to the ribbons, in better than very fine condition.