(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant with distinguished service, featuring six 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 42.38 mm (w) x 46.44 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
2. An Oldenburg Friedrich August Cross, II Class, constructed of blackened non-magnetic metal, consisting of a Cross Pattée with its arms joined through the quadrants by a circular laurel leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich August, the six o’clock arm with an institution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, unmarked, measuring 40.53 mm (w) x 45.48 mm (h), 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 an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 37.38 mm (w) x 42.91 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
4. A Prussian Order of the Crown, IV Class 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 royal crown, set within a circular blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “GOTT MIT UNS” (“GOD WITH US”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of King (and Kaiser) Wilhelm I, set within a circular blue enameled ring bearing a gilt institution date of “DEN 18 OCTOBER 1861”, the medallion maker marked through the quadrants “WILM, BERLIN”, measuring 42.85 mm (w) x 46.94 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
5. A Kaiser Wilhelm I Centenary Medal, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 39.97 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.
6. A Saxe Ernestine House Order, II Class Knight’s Cross, Military Division, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms completing in ball finials, in turn joined together through the quadrants by lions passant and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the reverse bearing a central gilded and enameled Saxe-Ernestine coat of arms, within a ring of blue enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “D. 25. DECEMBER 1838”, in turn surrounded by a green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the twelve o’clock arm with a hollow crown suspension connecting to a period original ribbon, without visible marks, measuring 45.18 mm (w) x 70.56 (h), demonstrating a consistent patina throughout the silver and with minor flecking visible to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.
All suspended from a 18 cm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and maroon wool liner, unmarked, demonstrating some soiling and fatigue to the ribbons, in near extremely fine condition.