Germany, Imperial. A Superb Order and Medal Bar for First World War and Freikorps Service

(Ordensschnalle). A superb, high-quality, and multi-state order and medal bar issued to a distinguished combatant of the First World War and Freikorps campaign in the Baltic region, featuring nine decorations, 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”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, without visible marks, measuring 42.73 mm (w) x 46.78 mm (h), demonstrating possible repainting of the core, in near extremely fine condition.

2. A Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, IV Class Cross, constructed of silver with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a hand-painted Prussian imperial eagle, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm III, unmarked, measuring 38.70 mm (w) x 42.65 mm (h), demonstrating a consistent patina throughout, in near extremely fine condition.

3. A Prussian Order of the Crown, IV Class Cross, constructed of gilded silver with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised crown, situated within a blue enameled ring bearings gilt inscription of “GOTT MIT UNS” (“GOD WITH US”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Wilhelm I, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “DEN 18 OCTOBER 1861” and arabesques, the core maker marked between the three and six o’clock arms with the logo of Sy & Wagner, Berlin, measuring 43.68 mm (w) x 47.68 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

4. A Bavarian Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Swords, constructed of silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with blue enameled arms, joined through the quadrants by stylized flames, the obverse overlaid by a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) and arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse overlaid by a black enameled medallion bearing a raised Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the reverse of the swords maker marked with the logo of Gebrüder Hemmerle, Munich, with a silver content number of “900”, measuring 41.26 mm (w) x 49.65 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking and surface scratching to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.

5. A Hamburg Hanseatic Cross, constructed of silvered copper with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms, overlaid by a central red enameled medallion bearing a silver Hamburg coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KREIGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 40.38 mm (w) x 45.28 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking and surface scratching to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.

6. A Baltic Cross, constructed of toned and gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of consisting of a narrow Geneva Cross, the obverse overlaid by a gilded Lily Cross, the reverse with two visible rivets securing the obverse applique in place, unmarked, measuring 44.94 mm (W) x 50.35 mm (h), a scarce non-pinback variant in extremely fine condition.

7. A Flanders Cross, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 40.30 mm (w) x 44.90 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

8. A Prussian 25-Year Long Service Award, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 39.00 mm (w) x 43.69 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

9. An Austrian Order of the Iron Crown, Knight’s Decoration with Swords, constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, consisting of a double-sided Austrian imperial eagle clutching a sword and orb, flanked by green enameled laurel branches, the obverse overlaid by a blue enameled shield bearing a gilt monogram of Emperor Franz I, the reverse overlaid by a central blue enameled shield bearing a gilt date of “1815”, situated above a jeweled crown, topped by a crown suspension connecting to a period original ribbon stitched with a crossed sword clasp, without visible marks, measuring 29.93 mm (w) x 58.92 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 24.5 cm-long bar with a non-magnetic metal core, horizontal pinback, and field-grey wool liner, unmarked, in extremely fine condition.