Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar for a Bavarian First and Second World War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a Bavarian First and Second World War combatant featuring five 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, unmarked, measuring 41.85 mm (w) x 45.91 mm (h), weighing 18.0 grams, in very fine condition.

2. A War Merit Cross II Class with Swords, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “90” for August Richter, Hamburg, measuring 48.32 mm (w) x 47.90 mm (h), weighing 23.8 grams, demonstrating near-total loss of bronze finish and minor surface oxidation, in fair condition.

3. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, III Class with Crown and Swords, constructed of copper, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, culminating in a crown and suspension loop retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 42.95 mm (w) x 63.62 mm (h), weighing 20.8 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

4. 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 37.46 mm (w) x 42.44 mm (h), weighing 14.7 grams, in extremely fine condition.

5. A Bavarian Long Service Award, II Class for 12 Years, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 33.11 mm in diameter, weighing 17.4 grams, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 150 mm-long zink bar with a horizontal pinback and field-grey rayon reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating minor soiling to the ribbons, a Third Reich-period example in near extremely fine condition.