Germany, Third Reich. A Medal Bar for First and Second World War Service

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for First and Second World War service, featuring five decorations, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension with its original Third Reich-period 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 42.67 mm (w) x 47.87 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A War Merit Cross II Class, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, without visible marks, measuring 47.71 mm (w) x 48.98 mm (h), stitched onto the bar backwards, in near extremely fine condition.

3. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of silvered and patinated zink, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” (“WINTER BATTLE IN THE EAST 1941/42”), topped by a Stahlhelm and stick grenade, without visible marks, measuring 35.82 mm (w) x 44.36 mm (h), demonstrating evidence of refinishing throughout, in fair 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 with the logo of Reichsverband Pforzheim, measuring 38.17 mm (w) x 42.00 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

5. A Bulgarian War Commemorative Medal, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.18 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 170 mm-long post-war assembled bar with a yellow wool liner and card stock core, demonstrating some soiling and fatigue to the ribbons, in very fine condition.