Germany, Imperial. A First World War Non-Combatant’s Medal Bar, Formal Wear Version, by Gustav Vietor

(Frackschnalle eines Nichtkämpfer im I. Weltkrieg). A fine medal bar for a First World War non-combatant, featuring three awards, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from a Third Reich-period non-combatant’s ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic 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 42.79 mm (w) x 46.34 mm (h), a Third Reich-period cross produced c. 1935 with a frame retaining virtually all of its original silver wash, in extremely fine condition.

2. A Merit Cross for War Aid, constructed of feinzink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central inscription of “FÜR KRIEGSHILFSDIENST” (“FOR WAR AID”) above oak leaves, the reverse bearing a central monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II, unmarked, measuring 41.45 mm (w) x 40.86 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for Non-Combatants, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse marked with the logo of an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 37.33 mm (w) x 42.50 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 115 mm-long bar with a brass core, horizontal pinback, and black wool liner, retaining a fully-intact maker’s label reading “GUSTAV VIETOR, WIESBADEN”, a scarce “Frackschanlle” bar configured for display on formal wear, in extremely fine condition.