Germany, Imperial. A First World War Combatant’s Medal and Ribbon Bar

(Ordensschnalle mit Bandschnalle). A First World War combatant’s medal bar, featuring four awards, 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, unmarked, measuring 42.64 mm (w) x 46.50 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Bavarian Military Merit Order, I Class with Crown and Swords, constructed of gilded copper with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse with a central black enameled disc bearing a raised and gilded monogram of King Ludwig II, within a stylized white enameled belt and buckle, bearing a gilt inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, with a crossed sword clasp riveted to the twelve o’clock arm, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, within a stylized belt and buckle bearing a raised institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm with a crown suspension and ring connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 42.32 mm (w) x 64.78 mm (h), weighing 26.1 grams, a veteran’s replacement example c. 1935 in extremely fine condition.

3. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for Combatant’s, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with Somme and Ypern campaign bars, consisting of a Cross Pattée with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse bearing an unidentified maker’s mark, measuring 37.38 mm (w) x 42.50 mm (h), weighing 13.6 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

4. A Bavarian Long Service Cross, I Class for 40 Years, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with an Oettingen veterans’ association commemorative badge, consisting of a Cross Pattée with ribbed arms, all completing in ball finials, the obverse bearing a central silvered and blue enameled Bavarian coat of arms, set within a green enameled circular oak leaf wreath, the reverse bearing a central blue enameled shield overlaid by a silvered inscription of “XL DIENST-JAHRE”, set within a green enameled circular oak leaf wreath, unmarked, measuring 45.98 mm (w) x 49.68 mm (h), weighing 20.0 grams, a scarce decoration in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 125 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and white cotton twill reverse liner, unmarked, with minor soiling evident, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by a matching ribbon bar, set on a 75 mm-long zink core within a horizontal pinback and black wool reverse liner, with minor soiling evident, in near extremely fine condition.