Germany, Third Reich. A Medal Bar for First World War Combat and Air Defence, with Ribbon Bar

(Ordensschalle und Bandschnalle). An interesting medal bar for a First World War combatant who later rendered distinguished service to civil defence, featuring four awards, including:

1. A Württemberg Military Merit Medal, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a rightward-facing profile of King Wilhelm II, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a wreathed inscription of “FÜR TAPFERKEIT UND TREUE” (“FOR BRAVERY AND LOYALTY”), the obverse engraver marked for Karl Schwenzer, measuring 28.53 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

2. 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 Reichsverband Pforzheim, measuring 38.24 mm (w) x 41.63 mm (h), in better than very fine condition.

3. A Württemberg Long Service Award, III Class for 9 Years, constructed of neusilber, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 31.38 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.

4. An Air Defence Honour Decoration, II Class, constructed of aluminum, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a circular oak leaf wreath, joined together together at the bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a mobile swastika circumscribed by an inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM LUFTSCHUTZ” (“FOR MERIT IN AIR DEFENCE”), the reverse bearing an institution date of “1938”, unmarked, measuring 38.70 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 120 mm-long bar with a zink core, red wool liner, and horizontal pinback, unmarked, demonstrating minor wear to the ribbons, a scarce and unusual combination of awards, in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a matching ribbon, bar, set on a 55 mm-long core with a red wool liner and horizontal pinback, unmarked, in extremely fine condition.