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

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant featuring six awards, 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”, without visible marks, measuring 43.12 mm (w) x 47.15 mm (h), demonstrating minor surface oxidation throughout the core, in very fine condition.

2. A Württemberg Württemberg Military Merit Medal, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised and rightward-facing profile of King Wilhelm II, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a central wreathed inscription of “FÜR TAPFERKEIT UND TREUE” (“FOR BRAVERY AND LOYALTY”), unmarked, measuring 28.30 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

3. A Braunschweig War Merit Cross II Class, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of Duke Ernst August flanked by oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an institution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR”), unmarked, measuring 30.25 mm (w) x 32.95 mm (h), in 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 “W.R.” possibly indicating manufacture by Werner Redo, Saarlautern, measuring 36.98 mm (w) x 41.94 mm (h), in better than very fine condition.

5. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a double-sided oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the top and bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised pillbox topped by a crossed sword and shovel and a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN THE PROTECTION OF GERMANY”), unmarked, measuring 33.06 mm (w) x 45.92 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

6. A Württemberg Long Service Award, III Class for 9 Years, constructed of magnetic iron, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 31.48 mm in diameter, in better than very fine condition.

All suspended from a 160 mm-long bar with a magnetic metal core, horizontal pinback, and dark green wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating minor soiling and material fatigue throughout the ribbons, in better than very fine condition.