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

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a Bavarian First World War combatant featuring six decorations, including:

1. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, III Class with Crown, constructed of coppered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, 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 a raised inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) 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 a raised institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crown suspension, unmarked, measuring 42.15 mm (w) x 63.90 mm (h), weighing 27.2 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of finish, in very fine condition.

2. 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 43.10 mm (w) x 46.06 mm (h), weighing 12.7 grams, in better than very fine condition.

3. A Saxon Albert Order, II Class Knight’s Cross with Swords, constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Latin Cross with white enameled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded and rightward-facing profile of Duke Albert III, surrounded by a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “ALBERTUS ANIMOSUS” (“ALBERT THE BOLD”), the reverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a gilded and enameled Saxon coat of arms, surrounded by a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt institution date of “1850” with laurel branches, the six o’clock maker marked with the logo of G.A. Scharffenberg, Dresden, measuring 34.41 mm (w) x 44.40 mm (h), weighing 19.4 grams, demonstrating evidence of disassembly and reassembly with the swords inserted upside-down and remnants of glue visible, in addition to some flecking and scratching of the enamels, in very fine condition.

4. A Kyffhäuser Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse designer marked “HOSAEUS”, measuring 30.91 mm (w) x 47.11 mm (h), weighing 18.0 grams, demonstrating some tarnishing, in very fine condition.

5. A Prince Regent Luitpold Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.17 mm (w) x 44.38 mm (h), weighing 23.4 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

6. A Bavarian Long Service Cross, II Class for 24 Years, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 45.84 mm (w) x 50.16 mm (h), weighing 17.7 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 145 mm-long zink bar with a horizontal pinback and dark blue wool reverse line, unmarked, demonstrating moderate material fatigue to the ribbons and the post-manufacture addition of the Bavarian Long Service Cross with consequent disruption of the catch end, in very fine condition.