Germany, Imperial. A Medal Bar for First World War and Civil Service

(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for First World War and civil service featuring four awards, including:

1. 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 an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 37.80 mm (w) x 43.10 mm (h), weighing 13.9 grams, in extremely fine condition.

2. A King Ludwig Cross, constructed of patinated bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of King Ludwig III, the reverse bearing a central raised date of “7. I. 1916” over a checkered field, unmarked, measuring 39.66 mm (w) x 45.69 mm (h), weighing 17.2 grams, in extremely fine condition.

3. A Cross of Honour of the German Red Cross, Type II, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Geneva Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse bearing a black German national eagle overlaid by a German Red Cross insignia, with details executed in gilt, unmarked, measuring 39.59 mm (w) x 43.15 mm (h), weighing 17.2 grams, demonstrating flecking and scratching throughout the enamels with a small chip to the obverse three o’clock arm, in very fine condition.

4. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Cross, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms joined through the quadrants by a circular oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central black enameled swastika, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 40.79 mm (w) x 45.56 mm (h), weighing 19.4 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

All suspended from a 122 mm-long zink bar with a horizontal pinback and white rayon reverse liner, demonstrating extensive soiling and fatigue to the ribbons with oxidation of the core, in fair condition.