(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a Bavarian First World War combatant featuring four 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 42.95 mm (w) x 46.31 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.
2. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, III Class with Swords, constructed of coppered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Ludwig II, set within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant, set within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, unmarked, measuring 42.52 mm (w) x 50.17 mm (h), demonstrating moderate loss of finish throughout, in very 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 37.90 mm (w) x 42.16 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
4. A Bavarian Long Service Award, II Class for 12 Years, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 33.11 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.
All suspended from a 120 mm-long zink bar with a horizontal pinback and black wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating minor soiling and material fatigue to the ribbons with extensive fading of the Bavarian Long Service Award’s ribbon, in very fine condition.