(Ordensschnalle). An extensive and unique First World War medal bar featuring five decorations, including 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, unmarked, measuring 42.50 mm (w) x 46.66 mm (h), in better than very fine condition.
A Military Merit Cross for Officers, 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 39.92 mm (w) x 43.48 mm (h), in better than very fine condition; a Hanseatic Cross, Hamburg issue, constructed of silvered copper with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms and a central silvered coat of arms of the city of Hamburg, the reverse with a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), unmarked, measuring 40.15 mm (w) x 44.02 mm (h), in very fine condition; a Merit Cross, I Class for 15 Years, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with a central raised crown, the reverse with a central raised number “15” in Roman numerals, unmarked, measuring 35.70 mm (w) x 39.36 mm (h), in very fine condition, and; an Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with central wreathed dates “1914/1918”, with crossed swords piercing the centre, the reverse maker marked “RV9, PFORZHEIM” for Reichsverband Pforzheim, measuring 38.45 mm (w) x 42.80 mm (h); underneath the latter, the bar features a fully-intact ribbon for an Allied Victory Medal. The Honor cross was additionally added to the medal bar, likely in late 1930's, on top of Allied Victory medal ribbon; the bar was originally mounted with (most likely) French Victory medal by "Sedladzek, Berlin" (label on reverse), probably during 1920's. Then, most probably during the 1930's after receiving Honor Cross, the recipient removed the Allied Victory medal and mounted Honor cross. In our opinion the recipient was likely a French POW, but decided to help the Allied cause in some capacity, and was therefore entitled to the Victory medal. As sentiment in Germany changed during the mid 1930's, removing an Allied Victory medal from the medal bar was an obvious decision. All affixed to a 150 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, maker marked “FRIEDR. SEDLATZEK, PFORZHEIM”, in overall near extremely fine condition.