Germany, Imperial. A Saxe-Ernestine Medal Bar for a First World War Combatant

 (Ordensschnalle). A superb 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, without visible mark, measuring 42.23 mm (w) x 45.84 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, II Class Knight’s Cross with Swords, consisting of Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials, joined together through the arms by lions passant, with a pair of crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse overlaid by a central gilt medallion bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITFHUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, the reverse bearing a central gilded and enameled Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt institution date of “25 DECEMBER 1833”, in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a hollow crown connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 43.57 mm (w) x 68.60 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking and discolouration to the enamels, 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”, without visible marks, measuring 37.80 mm (w) x 42.68 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 100 mm-long bar with a zink core and horizontal pinback, unmarked, demonstrating minor soiling throughout the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.