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

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

1. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, III Class with Swords, constructed of coppered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled swords, the obverse bearing a central monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, unmarked, measuring 42.47 mm (w) x 50.13 mm (h), weighing 21.8 grams, demonstrating some loss of finish, in near extremely fine condition.

2. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and brass, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened brass 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 initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, without visible marks, measuring 43.43 mm (w) x 48.64 mm (h), weighing 17.2 grams, in very fine 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 pinned with unofficial “SOMME-SCHLACHT” and “VERDUN” campaign bars, 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 37.25 mm (w) x 41.18 mm (h), weighing 13.7 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 100 mm-long bar with a horizontal pinback, green rayon liner, and zink core, demonstrating soiling and fading to the ribbons, in very fine condition.