Germany, Imperial. A Pair of Medal Bars

(Ordensschnalle). A pair of medal bars, including one featuring four decorations, with 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, unmarked, measuring 42.05 mm (w) x 45.90 mm (h); a Württemberg Silver Military Merit Medal, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised rightward-facing profile of King Wilhelm II of Württemberg, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a central inscription of “FÜR TAPFERKEIT UND TREU” (“FOR BRAVERY AND LOYALTY”), within a laurel leaf wreath, unmarked, measuring 28.07 mm in diameter; an Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with crossed swords through the centrepiece, the obverse with central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse marked “G11” for an unidentified maker, measuring 37.50 mm (w) x 41.92 mm (h), and; a Civil Service 25 Year Faithful Service Cross, constructed of silvered bronze, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms and with an oak leaf wreath through the quadrants, the obverse bearing a black swastika, the reverse bearing a central inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 40.85 mm (w) x 45.91 mm (h); all affixed to a 120 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a black wool reverse liner and horizontal pinback, unmarked, with minor wear evident to the decorations, in overall near extremely fine condition.

Also included is a bar featuring three decorations, including 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, unmarked, measuring 43.03 mm (w) x 46.67 mm (h); an Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with crossed swords through the centrepiece, the obverse with central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse marked “SCH. & H.” for an unidentified maker, measuring 36.97 mm (w) x 42.42 mm (h), and; an Austrian War Commemorative Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a First Republic-style Austrian national eagle clutching a coat of arms, above an inscription of “FÜR ÖSTERREICH” (“FOR AUSTRIA”), the reverse bearing dates “1914-1918”, unmarked, measuring 36.07 mm in diameter; all affixed to a 90 mm-long zink bar with a dark blue wool backer and horizontal pinback, unmarked, with oxidation and loss of finish evident to the medals, in overall very fine condition.