Germany, Third Reich. A Medal Bar for Civil Defence

(Ordensschnalle). A unique medal bar for a First World War combatant who subsequently rendered distinguished services to Third Reich-period civil defence, featuring five awards, including:

1 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”, unmarked, measuring 37.11 mm (w) x 41.48 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Bavarian Long Service Award, III Class for 9 Years, constructed of nickel silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.90 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

3. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms joined through the quadrants by a circular oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central black enameled swastika, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.17 mm (w) x 47.12 mm (h), demonstrating minor loss of finish throughout the base metal, in better than very fine condition.

4. A Fire Brigade Honour Award, II Class, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Geneva Cross with its ams joined through the quadrants by a circular ring bearing an obverse inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM FEUERLÖSCHWESEN” (“FOR MERIT IN FIRE FIGHTING”), the obverse of the cross with white enameled arms bearing stylized red flames, overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a black mobile swastika surrounded by a circular black enameled ring, unmarked, measuring 44.06 mm (w) x 47.86 mm (h), demonstrating minor flecking and loss of finish to the enamels and base metal, respectively, in extremely fine condition.

5. An Air Defence Honour Award, II Class, constructed of zink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a circular oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a central raised mobile swastika, circumscribed by an inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM LUFTSCHUTZ” (“FOR MERIT IN AIR DEFENCE”), the reverse bearing a central raised institution date of “1938”, unmarked, measuring 38.02 mm (w) x 43.50 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 145 mm-long bar with a non-magnetic metal core, horizontal pinback, and black wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating minor soiling to the ribbons, a unique example to a recipient who made notable contributions to civil defence and who likely participated in wartime air raid response, in extremely fine condition.