Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar for a First World War Combatant

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant 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”, without visible marks, measuring 43.02 mm (w) x 47.94 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A House Order of Hohenzollern, Silver Merit Medal with Swords, constructed of silver, consisting of a circular laurel and oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central raised Hohenzollern coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST” (“FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE”), the reverse bearing a central raised monogram, circumscribed by an institution date of “DEN 1. JANUAR 1842”, topped by an integral loop with a crossed sword clasp, in turn on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, the medal measuring 32.36 mm in diameter, 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 central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Reichsverband Pforzheim, measuring 37.91 mm (w) x 41.74 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 100 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, unmarked, with minor material fatigue visible to the ribbon of the Hohenzollern decoration, in overall extremely fine condition.