Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar for First World War Combatant with Long & Distinguished Military Service

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant with long and distinguished military service, featuring five awards, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension with its 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 42.61 mm (w) x 46.16 mm (h), demonstrating moderate surface oxidation through the core, in very fine condition.

2. A Hamburg Hanseatic Cross, constructed of silvered copper with multi-coloured 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 disc overlaid by a Hamburg coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 40.27 mm (w) x 44.07 mm (h), demonstrating near-total loss of enamel to the nine o’clock arm with additional flecking and discolouration to the three o’clock arm, in fair 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 raised dates “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Glaser & Söhne, Dresden, measuring 37.61 mm (w) x 41.88 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

4. A Wehrmacht Long Service Award, I Class for 25 Years, constructed of gilded magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with Heer/Kriegsmarine device, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central raised number “25”, unmarked, measuring 39.88 mm (w) x 44.02 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

5. A Wehrmacht Long Service Award, III Class for 12 Years, constructed of gilded magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with Heer/Kriegsmarine device, the obverse bearing a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, circumscribed by an inscription of “TREUE DIENSTE IN DER WEHRMACHT” (“FAITHFUL SERVICE IN THE WEHRMACHT”), the reverse bearing a wreathed number “12”, unmarked, measuring 29.92 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 145 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and black wool reverse liner, demonstrating minor soiling to the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.