Six-Place German Ribbon Bar – WWI and Pre-War Awards with Period Authenticity

This is a finely preserved six-place ribbon bar displaying a combination of pre-World War I and WWI-era awards, showcasing both military and civil distinctions. Ribbon bars such as this were worn on formal occasions or with uniforms when full-size medals were impractical.

The ribbons are presented in the following order from left to right:

1. Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914-1918) – The iconic black and white ribbon representing the German Iron Cross for bravery in the field during World War I.
2. Hindenburg Cross (Combatant's Cross of Honour, 1914-1918) – Issued to veterans of the First World War, denoted by its black stripes on a red and white base.
3. Military Merit Cross (Bavaria) – A Bavarian award for bravery or military distinction, indicated by its light cream ribbon with blue stripes.
4. War Merit Cross (Austrian Empire) – Featuring a pale cream ribbon, it represents the recognition of distinguished service during wartime.
5. Long Service Award (Prussian) – Presented for extended service in the military or civil divisions. Its golden-yellow ribbon signifies dedication to the German Empire.
6. Civil Merit Award – An ornate ribbon signifying contributions to the state or community, highlighted by its golden hue.

The reverse retains its original pin clasp mechanism, clearly period-authentic with patina and signs of age. The stitching remains intact but shows expected wear, especially along the edges and fabric ends. Fraying of some ribbons indicates genuine use, adding character to the bar’s overall presentation.

Condition:
This ribbon bar is in good condition considering its age, with fraying on a few ribbons and minor tarnishing to the reverse. The colors of the ribbons remain vibrant, especially the black, red, and gold elements. The metal components, including the pin and hooks, are secure and functional.

Date Range: Circa 1914-1930s.

Historical Significance:
Ribbon bars were essential to officers and soldiers who needed a compact way to display their awards, especially after the proliferation of medals following World War I. The presence of Bavarian and Austrian awards reflects the close cooperation of German states and their allies during the conflict.

Display Suggestions:
This ribbon bar would make an excellent addition to a WWI German uniform display, shadow box, or collection of German militaria. Its compact size allows for versatile showcasing alongside full-size medals or awards.

Authenticity Guarantee:
This is a 100% original, period ribbon bar with no modern reproductions or additions. All materials, stitching, and components reflect the standards of the early 20th century.