Germany, Imperial. An Unusual Commemorative Service Medal Bar

(Ordensschnalle). An unusual commemorative service medal bar featuring two decorations, including:

1. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, 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 bearing an unidentified maker’s mark, measuring 37.10 mm (w) x 40.24 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

2. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for War Bereaved, constructed of blackened magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse bearing an unidentified maker’s mark, measuring 37.16 mm (w) x 42.02 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A German Red Cross Medal, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Geneva Cross joined together through the quadrants by a circualr ring, the obverse of the cross and arm finished in red and white enamels, respectively, bearing a central gilded and black enameled German Red Cross- (DRK) style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST UM DAS DEUTSCHE ROTE KREUZ” (“FOR SERVICE TO THE GERMAN RED CROSS”), unmarked, measuring 38.18 mm in diameter, with some surface scratching visible to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 75 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback, unmarked, with material fatigue and soiling visible to the ribbons, an unusual assembly likely issued to a First World War combatant who also lost a child in combat, in very fine condition.