(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a First World War combatant featuring three 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 43.14 mm (w) x 47.36 mm (h), demonstrating a consistent patina throughout the frame, in extremely fine condition.
2. Württemberg Friedrich Order, II Class Knight’s Cross with Swords, constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, bearing double-sided central white enameled medallions overlaid by gilded monograms of King Friedrich I, in turn surrounded by gilded rings, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crossed sword clasp, in turn affixed with an integral ring connecting to a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 36.25 mm (w) x 46.89 mm (h), demonstrating a consistent patina throughout the silver base, 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 L. Christian Lauer, Nuremberg, measuring 37.61 mm (w) x 41.95 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
All suspended from a 95 mm-long magnetic metal bar with a horizontal pinback and golden-yellow wool reverse liner, retaining a fully-intact maker’s label reading “A. BUX, STUTTGART KÖNIGSBAU”, in extremely fine condition.