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 six 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 42.42 mm (w) x 46.22 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. An Oldenburg Friedrich August Cross, II Class, constructed of blackened zink alloy, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with its arms joined through the quadrants by a circular laurel leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich August, the twelve o’clock arm bearing an institution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a royal crown, unmarked, measuring 40.53 mm (w) x 45.81 mm (h), 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 37.90 mm (w) x 42.92 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

4. A Prussian Order of the Crown, IV Class, constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised crown, set within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “GOTT MIT UNS” (“GOD WITH US”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Wilhelm I, set within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt institution date of “DEN 18 OCTOBER 1861”, maker marked between the quadrants “WILM, BERLIN’ for the firm of H.J. Wilm, measuring 42.88 mm (w) x 46.96 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

5. A Kaiser Wilhelm I Centenary Medal, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 40.00 mm in diameter, in better than very fine condition.

6. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Military Division, I Class Knight’s Cross, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials, joined together through the quadrants by lions passant and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, set within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST), in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the the reverse bearing a central gilded and enameled Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, set within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt date of “D. 25. DECEMBER 1833”, in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a hollow crown suspension with a loop connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 45.15 mm (w) x 69.78 mm (h), demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels and possible reattachment of the centrepiece of the reverse medallion, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 180 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and maroon wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating minor wear and soiling to the ribbons, an exceptional example to a decorated First World War combatant in near extremely fine condition.