Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar For A First World War Combatant, With Custom Shadow Box

(Ordensschnalle mit Schaukasten). A medal bar for First World War service 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 mobile swastika, 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 42.39 mm (w) x 46.16 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Silver Merit Medal with 1914/18 Clasp, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with a date and sword clasp, the obverse bearing a raised and rightward-facing profile of Duke Carl Eduard of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross overlaid by a central Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), unmarked, measuring 30.19 mm in diameter, in 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 bearing an unidentified maker’s mark, measuring 37.63 mm (w) x 42.50 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 100 mm-long zink bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, unmarked, with some soiling and mothing visible to the ribbons and reverse liner, respectively, in better than very fine condition.

Accompanied by a pre-Third Reich ribbon bar featuring the 1914 Iron Cross II Class and Saxe-Ernestine House Order, set on 30 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback, unmarked, the catch is missing and some soiling and material fatigue are evident, in very fine condition.

Also accompanied by a Coburg regimental commemorative badge, constructed of silvered bronze, vertical pinback, unmarked, measuring 25 mm (w) x 50 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All secreted within a shadow box constructed of a lacquered black wooden frame, the lid with an intact glass face, opening on a functional swivel hinge to reveal a beige felt liner and intact satin hinge cover, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 155 mm (w) x 115 mm (l) x 32 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.