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

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant featuring four 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, the suspension loop maker marked “KO” for a widely-encountered but unidentified manufacturer, measuring 43.14 mm (w) x 47.85 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Hesse Bravery Medal, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a central wreathed inscription of “FÜR TAPFERKEIT” (“FOR BRAVERY”), unmarked, measuring 33.11 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 maker marked with the logo of an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 37.51 mm (w) x 42.72 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

4. 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, overlaid by a central red enameled medallion bearing a silvered Hamburg coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 39,91 mm (w) x 43.89  mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 140 mm-long bar with a zink core, field-grey wool liner, and horizontal pinback, demonstrating minor soiling and material fatigue to the ribbons and liner, respectively, in near extremely fine condition.