Germany, Imperial. A Superb Medal Bar for a First World War Combatant and Eastern Peoples Liaison, with Case, by Max Reuter

(Ordensschnalle). A unique medal bar for a combatant of the First World War who subsequently rendered unusual service to the German effort during the Second World War, featuring eight awards, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, 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, without visible marks, measuring 43.00 mm (w) x 47.68 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, I Class with Swords, constructed of gilded copper with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original civilian-issue ribbon, consisting a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse overlaid by a central black disc bearing a raised monogram of King Ludwig II, surrounded by a stylized white belt and buckle bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized and belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, unmarked, measuring 41.13 mm (w) x 49.67 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A Bavarian Long Service Award, III Class for 9 Years, constructed of neusilber, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 33.44 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition,.

4. A War Memorial Decoration of the Bavarian Red Cross, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 27.41 mm (w) x 37.84 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

5. A Saxon Friedrich August Medal in Silver, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 28.32 mm in diameter, in better than very fine condition.

6. A Saxe-Ernestine Bravery Medal, constructed of zink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 31.02 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.

7. A Bulgarian Medal for Merit, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 27.51 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

8. An Eastern Peoples Merit Decoration, II Class in Bronze, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, bearing a central raised rosette surrounded by a circular laurel wreath, without visible marks, measuring 40.14 mm (w) x 45.52 mm (h), demonstrating loss of finish throughout, in very fine condition.

All suspended from a 18 cm-long bar with a brass core, horizontal pinback, and green wool liner, the reverse retaining a metal maker’s label reading “MAX REUTER, MÜNSTER I. WESTF.”, accompanied by its period original two-piece card stock presentation case, the lid bearing an additional Max Reuter mark, the interior retaining a cotton insert, measuring 21.5 cm (l) x 8.5 cm (w) x 3 cm (h), a unique assembly to a highly-experienced First World War veteran who went on to facilitate a rear-section liaison role with Wehrmacht eastern volunteers, in extremely fine condition.