Germany, Wehrmacht. A Medal Bar for an Eastern Front Veteran

(Ordensschnalle). An interesting medal bar featuring two decorations, including:

1. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of silvered and patinated zink, on loop for suspension with an incorrect Anschluss Medal ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” (“WINTER BATTLE IN THE EAST 1941/42”), above a crossed sword and laurel branch, topped by a Stahlhelm and stick grenade, without visible marks, measuring 36.51 mm (w) x 44.13 mm (h), demonstrating moderate loss of finish throughout, in very fine condition.

2. A Sudetenland Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing two raised figures, one of which is clutching a flag and the other a length of broken chain, above a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central date of “1. OKTOBER 1938”, circumscribed by an inscription of “EIN VOLK, EIN REICH, EIN FÜHRER” (“ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE LEADER”), unmarked, in near extremely fine condition. Both suspended from a 70 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and beige wool reverse liner, unmarked, modified by the recipient from previous wear as a bar for occupation duty to reflect Eastern Front service, with some fading and fatigue evident to the ribbons and reverse liner, respectively, in very fine condition.