Germany, Imperial. A Combatant’s Medal Bar for Bravery in Ottoman Service

(Ordensschnalle). A superb medal bar for a combatant who demonstrated bravery in the field while serving with German forces attached to their Ottoman allies during the First World War, 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 43.18 mm (w) x 47.92 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. An Ottoman Decoration for Loyalty and Bravery, Silver Medal, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon emanating from a sabre clasp bearing a date of “1914” (1332 Hijri) with an unofficial (not issued by the Imperial Mint) suspension, the obverse bearing a coat of arms of the Ottoman Empire, topped by the tughra of Abdülhamid II, the reverse bearing ornaments surrounded by an inscription of “THIS MEDAL IS ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SHOWN EXCEPTIONAL LOYALTY AND BRAVERY FOR THE SAKE OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE”, situated above a cartouche (normally left blank, awaiting the engraving of a recipient’s name) bearing a raised inscription of “DILIGENCE AND LOYALTY”, above a date of “1883” (1300), unmarked, measuring 36.53 mm in diameter, demonstrating minor tarnishing, an unusual strike demonstrating the characteristics of German manufacture, in extremely fine condition.

Both suspended from a 70 mm-long bar with a horizontal pinback, white wool liner, and non-magnetic metal core, demonstrating moderate soiling throughout the ribbons, a scarce example in near extremely fine condition.