Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar to a First World War Combatant with Postwar Social Service

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar to a First World War combatant with meritorious Third Reich-period social service, featuring three 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 42.74 mm (w) x 46.77 mm (h), 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 central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Reichsverband Pforzheim, measuring 38.14 mm (w) x 41.19 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

3. A German Social Welfare Medal, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised Geneva Cross overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “MEDAILLE FÜR DEUTSCHE VOLKSPFLEGE” (“MEDAL FOR CARE OF THE GERMAN PEOPLE”), without visible marks, measuring 38.05 mm in diameter, demonstrating loss of finish throughout with minor oxidation, in very fine condition. All suspended from a 95 mm-long non-magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and black wool reverse liner, with minor fading and soiling visible to the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.