Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar for a Distinguished Bavarian First World War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a distinguished Bavarian First World War combatant, featuring two decorations, including:

1. A Bavarian Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Swords, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms joined through the quadrants by stylized flames, the obverse overlaid by a central black enameled medallion bearing a gilt monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle, bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a sword clasp, the reverse overlaid by a central black enameled medallion, bearing a gilt Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle, bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the swords maker marked with the logo of Weiss & Co., Munich, with a silver content mark of “900”, measuring 39.70 mm (w) x 48.36 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking to the enamels, with an expert period repair to a shallow chip to the obverse six o’clock arm, in better than very fine condition. 

2. 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 42.84 mm (w) x 47.23 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

Both suspended from a 70 mm-long bar with a brass core, horizontal pinback, and red wool liner, demonstrating some material fatigue to the ribbons and the deliberate backwards application of the Iron Cross (likely owing to Bavarian patriotism), a superb example to a distinguished Bavarian soldier, in better than very fine condition.