Imperial German Three-Place Ribbon Bar

A period three-award German ribbon bar, mounted in the classic pre-1918 style with tightly folded ribbed moiré ribbons sewn over a rigid backing. The front presents three individual ribbons arranged side-by-side with crisp pleating and traditional scalloped lower folds. From left to right the colors show: a black ribbon with white edge stripes; a yellow ribbon with light blue striping; and a black/white/red family ribbon. The reverse is covered in red felt and fitted with a long horizontal pin for wear on a tunic or civilian coat, indicating an original wearable construction rather than a later display mount.

From the ribbon evidence alone, the first ribbon is most consistent with the Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon presentation (the familiar black field with white edge stripes used for EK II wear). The remaining two ribbons represent additional decorations in the wearer’s group, but must be described conservatively: the yellow/light blue combination is typical of German state-award palettes (often encountered among the smaller kingdoms, grand duchies, and duchies) and the black/white/red family ribbon corresponds to the broader Imperial (Reich) national color tradition used across several commemorative and service awards. Because multiple Imperial-era awards share overlapping color schemes—and because folded mounting can visually distort stripe widths—an exact state attribution or specific award identification for ribbons two and three cannot be guaranteed from photographs alone without the medals, a flat/unfolded ribbon reference, or supporting provenance. This is still an attractive and historically “right” combination, strongly suggesting a decorated veteran with at least one Prussian combat award ribbon and additional state and/or national-level recognition consistent with Imperial Germany’s federal system of honors.

For the collector, this piece checks several boxes: it is an honest, wearable-format ribbon bar with period materials, a desirable Iron Cross ribbon present, and a visually striking tri-color layout that displays well in a case or on a uniform grouping. Ribbon bars like this also represent the practical, day-to-day way Imperial German veterans actually wore their awards—especially in service, veterans’ associations, and civilian dress—making them an excellent “texture” piece for collectors building uniform displays or period groupings.

Condition is consistent with age and wear: ribbon material shows expected handling and compression from long-term folding, with visible age toning and slight fraying to edges in spots; the reverse felt shows wear, losses, and small holes typical of period mounting and decades of storage. The pin appears present and functional. Overall, a sound, displayable Imperial-era ribbon bar offered as-is, with conservative ribbon identification as noted above.