Germany, Imperial. A Multi-State Medal Bar for Distinguished First World War Service

(Ordensschnalle). A superb and unusual multi-state medal bar for distinguished First World War service, including:

1. A Mecklenburg-Strelitz War Service Cross, II Class, constructed of a silver alloy,on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with ribbed arms, the obverse bearing a central wreathed monogram of Grand Duke Adolph Friedrich VI, the reverse bearing a central wreathed inscription of “TAPFER UND TREU” (“LOYAL AND BRAVE”), unmarked, measuring 41.38 mm (w) x 47.40 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. An Oldenburg Friedrich August Cross, II Class, constructed of toned magnetic iron, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with its arms joined through the quadrants by a circular laurel wreath, the obverse bearing a central monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich August, topped by a crown and above a date of “1914”, unmarked, measuring 38.34 mm (w) x 42.86 mm (h), demonstrating minor surface oxidation throughout, in very fine condition.

3. 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 red enameled centrepiece 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 40.81 mm (w) x 45.24 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking and scratching to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

4. A Lübeck 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 gilded centrepiece bearing an enameled Lübeck coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 40.78 mm (w) x 45.51 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking and scratching to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.

5. A Bremen 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 red enameled centrepiece bearing a silvered Bremen coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 40.59 mm (w) x 45.51 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking and scratching to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.

6. A Bavarian Order of St. Michael, Silver Medal, constructed of a silver alloy, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a depiction of St. Michael trampling the devil (in the form of a dragon), the reverse bearing a wreathed inscription of “VIRTUTI” (“VIRTUE”), unmarked, measuring 36.02 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

7. An Ottoman Liyakat Medal, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with a 1915 combatant’s clasp, unmarked, measuring 24.68 mm in diameter, in better than very fine condition.

8. A Bulgarian Military Order for Bravery, IV Class Soldier's Cross, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 34.01 mm (w) x 37.47 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 23 cm-long bar with a horizontal pinback, field-grey wool liner, and brass core, unmarked, an interesting assembly to a recipient with a storied wartime career, in extremely fine condition.