Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar For A First World War Combatant

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

1. a 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from 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 44.22 mm (w) x 48.67 mm (h), weighing 20.8 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

2. 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 of “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Paul Meybauer, Berlin, measuring 37.62 mm (w) x 41.24 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross, II Class, constructed of gilded zink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattéem the obverse bearing a central monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV, the six o’clock arm bearing a date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a royal crown, the reverse bearing an inscription of “FÜR AUSZEICHNUNG IM KRIEG” (“FOR EXCELLENCE IN WAR”), unmarked, measuring 40.92 mm (w) x 45.14 mm (h), demonstrating near-total loss of gilt finish, in very fine condition.

4. A Defence of Tyrol Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 35.53 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

5. A Hungarian War Commemorative Medal, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 36.75 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.

6. A Bulgarian War Commemorative Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.32 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a two-piece zink bar with a horizontal pinback and grey wool reverse liner, demonstrating stitch marks consistent with a two-piece bar being added to the original assembly, in addition to ribbons from a previous bar being visible under the existing ribbons consistent with refurbishment, the pinback no longer meets the catch and the Iron Cross has detached from its stitching, an interesting example likely personalized by the recipient in very fine condition.