(Deutsch-Französischer Krieg Ordensschnalle). A rare and superb medal bar for a distinguished veteran of both the Franco-Prussian War and Second Schleswig War featuring six decorations, including:
1. An 1870 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribboned 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 “1870”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, unmarked, the cross measuring 41.68 mm (w) x 46.40 mm (h), the clasp measuring 23.90 mm (w) x 16.37 mm (h), in overall extremely fine condition.
2. A Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, IV Class Cross, constructed of silver with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted Prussian imperial eagle clutching a laurel wreath, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm II, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop and suspension ring with a period original ribbon, the six o’clock arm maker marked with a “W” indicating manufacture by Wagner & Sohn, Berlin, measuring 39.32 mm (w) x 44.10 mm (h), with minor tarnishing evident, in extremely fine condition.
3. A Duppel Storm Cross for Combatants, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 31.56 mm (w) x 36.50 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
4. An Alsen Cross for Combatants, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.26 mm (w) x 38.10 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
5. A Denmark War Medal for Combatants constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 29.00 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.
6. A Commemorative Medal for the War of 1870/71 for Combatants, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 30.26 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.
All suspended from a 185 mm-long bronze bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, unmarked but demonstrating all of the characteristics of unaltered period assembly, a rare and superb bar to a combatant of two of the keys wars culminating in the unification of Germany, in extremely fine condition.