(Ordensschnalle). A medal bar for a distinguished Franco-Prussian War service to Generalleutnant Martin Gustav Wilhelm von Goßler, featuring seven decorations, including:
1. An 1870 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon pinned with a 25th Jubilee Clasp, 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 “1870”, 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 42.21 mm (w) x 47.54 mm (h), the integral ring has separated from the frame, in near extremely fine condition.
2. A Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, IV Class Cross with Swords, constructed of silver with gilt and enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Patté with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted Prussian imperial eagle, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm II, unmarked, measuring 37.85 mm (w) x 43.27 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
3. A Prussian Officer’s 25-Year Long Service Cross, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with ribbed borders, 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 36.05 mm (w) x 41.07 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
4. A War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71 for Combatants, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 29.08 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.
5. A Königgratz Commemorative Cross, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 35.29 mm (w) x 39.96 mm (h), in better than very fine condition.
6. A Coronation Medal, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing raised and rightward-facing profiles of King Wilhelm I and Queen Augusta, circumscribed by names and titles, the reverse bearing a central crowned Prussian coat of arms overlaying a Cross Pattée, situated above an inscription of “SUUM CUIQUE” (“TO EACH HIS OWN”), surrounded by the coats of arms of Prussian provinces, the obverse bearing a partially-legible engraver’s mark, measuring 30.59 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.
7. An Anhalt Order of the Bear, II Class Knight’s Decoration, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a central crowned bear walking on top of a fortress wall, set within an oval ring bearing a raised inscription of “FÜRCHTE GOTT UND BEFOLGE SEINE BEFEHLE” (“FEAR GOD AND OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS”), the reverse of the ring bearing a raised inscription of “ALBRECHT DER BEAR, REG. 1123-1170” (“ALBERt THE BEAR, KING 1123-1170”), unmarked, measuring 33.84 mm (w) x 44.50 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
All suspended from a 115 mm-long bronze bar with dual horizontal pinbacks and a red wool liner, unmarked, the medals are not stitched in place and are retained by being folded into the ribbons and a Kaiser Wilhelm I Centenary Medal is missing, in very fine condition.
Footnote: Martin Gustav Wilhelm von Goßler was born on 18 March 1843 in Liegnitz (now Legnica, Poland), the son of Minister of State Albert von Goßler. He served as a Page of the Royal Court during the coronation of King Wilhelm in 1861, later taking a commission as an Oberleutnant in 1871 and serving as an adjutant to a number of cavalry units, including Husaren-Regiment „König Humbert von Italien“ (1. Kurhessisches) Nr. 13. After the war, he was elevated to Rittmeister and Squadron Chief of 1. Hessischen Husaren-Regiment Nr. 13. He ended his military career as a Generalleutnant and Chief of the Central Department of the General Staff, dying on 3 October 1898 in Kalbe.