Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar for First World War and Colonial Service, by Friedrich Sedlatzek

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for First World War and colonial service featuring five 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 12 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 42.08 mm (w) x 46.25 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. A Military Honour Decoration, II Class, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised monogram of King Wilhelm I, the reverse bearing a central wreathed inscription of “KRIEGS-VERDIENST” (“WAR MERIT”), unmarked, measuring 39.21 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

3. A Bremen Hanseatic Cross, constructed of silvered copper with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms and a central red enameled medallion bearing a silvered Bremen coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 39.43 mm (w) x 43.65 mm (h), with some flecking evident to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.

4. A German South West African Campaign Medal for Combatants, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with “WATERBERG” clasp, the obverse bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of Germania, circumscribed by an inscription of “SUEDWEST AFRIKA 1904-06”, the reverse bearing a raised and crowned monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II, circumscribed by an inscription of “DEN SIEGREICHEN STREITERN” (“TO THE VICTORIOUS FIGHTERS”), unmarked, measuring 32.68 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

5. A Prussian Officer’s 25-Year Long Service Cross, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm III, the reverse bearing a central raised number “25” in Roman numerals, unmarked, measuring 39.84 mm (w) x 44.36 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 140-mm long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and dark blue wool reverse liner, retaining a manufacturer’s tag reading “FRIEDR. SEDLATZEK, BERLIN”, with moderate soiling and wear visible to the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.