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

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a distinguished combatant of the First World War who subsequently rendered long service to the NSDAP, featuring six 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 43.14 mm (w) x 47.52 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Bavarian Order of Military Merit, IV Class Cross with Swords, constructed of silver with multi-coloured 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 disc bearing a gilt monogram of King Ludwig II, surrounded by a white enameled belt and buckle bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a sword clasp, the reverse overlaid by a central black enameled medallion bearing a gilt Bavarian lion rampant, surrounded by a white enameled belt and buckle bearing a date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a stylized suspension culminating in an eyelet and loop with a period original ribbon, the swords maker marked with the logo of Gebrüder Hemmerle, Munich, with a silver content mark of “900”, measuring 40.85 mm (w) x 49.50 mm (h), demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

3. 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 wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 37.62 mm (w) x 42.62 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

4. An NSDAP Long Service Award, II Class for 15 Years, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with blue enameled arms joined through the quadrants by stylized rays, the obverse overlaid by a central blue enameled medallion bearing a circular oak leaf wreath overlaid by an NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse overlaid by a central blue enameled medallion bearing a silvered inscription of “TREUE FÜR FÜHRER UND VOLK” (“LOYALTY FOR FÜHRER AND PEOPLE”), without visible marks, measuring 42.19 mm (w) x 46.44 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

5. An NSDAP Long Service Award, III Class for 10 Years, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled and ribbed arms joined through the quadrants by stylized rays, the obverse overlaid by a circular oak leaf wreath bearing an NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse overlaid by a circular oak leaf wreath surrounding an inscription of “TREUE FÜR FÜHRER UND VOLK” (“LOYALTY FOR FÜHRER AND PEOPLE”), without visible marks, measuring 42.03 mm (w) x 46.56 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

6. A Bavarian Long Service Award, II Class for 24 Years, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 45.50 mm (w) x 48.42 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 180 mm-long bar with a zink alloy core, black wool liner, and horizontal pinback, unmarked a superb bar featuring a notable combination of awards, in extremely fine condition.