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

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant featuring three decorations, 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 43.38 mm (w) x 48.27 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Hamburg Hanseatic Cross, constructed of silvered copper with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms, bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered Hamburg coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 40.29 mm (w) x 44.06 mm (h), demonstrating minor scratching to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.

3. 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”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 37.56 mm (w) x 43.64 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 115 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a red wool reverse liner and horizontal pinback, unmarked, demonstrating moderate soiling and material fatigue to the ribbons, in better than very fine condition.