Germany, Wehrmacht. An Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir Medal Bar for War Merit

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar featuring a scarce combination of decorations, including:

1. A War Merit Cross II Class with Swords, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, unmarked, measuring 48.10 mm (w) x 49.10 mm (h), demonstrating near-total loss o bronze finish, in very fine condition.

2. A Croatian Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir Bronze Medal, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised depiction of King Dmitar Zvonimir, circumscribed by name and a date of “1076”, the reverse bearing a central Croatian national emblem situated within a circular laurel leaf wreath joined together at the top by an Ustaše insignia, circumscribed by an inscription of “ZA ZASLUGE” (“FOR MERIT”), topped by an ornate crown and suspension ring, unmarked, measuring 32.25 mm (w) x 47.44 mm (h), demonstrating near-total loss of bronze finish, in very fine condition.

Both suspended from a 65 mm-long bar with a magnetic metal core, horizontal pinback, and red wool liner, unmarked, an unusual combination likely awarded to a Wehrmacht or SS Polizei serviceman for anti-Partisan actions in the Balkans, in near extremely fine condition.