World War I German Medal Bar with Five Awards

This exceptional 5-piece German medal bar is a rare, historically significant assemblage, dating to World War I (1914–1918). Carefully mounted, the bar features five distinguished German military decorations representing the valor, merit, and service of a German soldier or officer during the Great War. The awards are mounted with appropriate ribbons on a period backing, allowing for display or attachment to a uniform.

1. Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914):

• Material: Silver frame, magnetic iron core.
• Front Design: Prominent “W” (Kaiser Wilhelm II’s monogram) under the Imperial German crown, with the date “1914” below.
• Historical Significance: The Eisernes Kreuz was one of Germany’s most iconic awards for bravery in combat, established originally in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. This specific example commemorates the Great War.

2. Prussian General Honor Decoration 2nd Class with Swords:

• Material: Gold-toned center with a white enamel Maltese cross and gilded sunburst rays.
• Central Insignia: Stylized “FR” (Friedrich Rex) monogram under a Prussian crown.
• Swords: Indicate an award for military merit rather than civilian service.
• Context: Typically presented for exceptional merit or achievements not necessarily in direct combat. The swords denote actions during wartime.

3. Hindenburg Cross (1934–1935, Combatant Version):

• Material: Bronze.
• Front Design: Features “1914–1918” in the center with a laurel wreath and crossed swords.
• Reverse Marking: “G4,” likely the maker's mark.
• Historical Note: Created post-war during the Nazi regime to honor veterans who served in combat. It serves as a reminder of Germany’s official recognition of WWI service.

4. Baden Service Medal (Gold):

• Material: Gilded bronze.
• Front Design: A laurel wreath surrounding a crowned emblem, symbolizing loyalty and service to the Grand Duchy of Baden.
• Context: Awarded to soldiers for their dedication and exemplary service in military campaigns under Baden’s jurisdiction within the German Empire.

5. 25-Year Long Service Medal:

• Material: Gold-toned bronze.
• Design: A circular medal adorned with a laurel wreath, crowned insignia in the center, and richly detailed ribbons.
• Purpose: This was a mark of distinguished and honorable long-term military service, reflecting dedication and loyalty to the German military forces.

Condition:

• The medals retain original patina and period mounting.
• Iron Cross shows light wear on the core, consistent with age.
• Enamel on the Prussian Honor Decoration is intact with minor gilding loss on the rays.
• Ribbons display slight fading but remain vibrant and structurally sound.
• Reverse of medals (e.g., the Hindenburg Cross “G4”) confirms authenticity and maker provenance.

Historical Relevance:

This medal bar tells a unique narrative of service and honor for a German soldier during the turbulent years of World War I and beyond. For collectors, it is a representation of the German Empire’s military legacy, while for genealogists, such awards often tie back to family members who served during WWI. The inclusion of a Prussian Honor Medal and the Baden Service Medal further indicates the soldier’s connections to multiple regions within the Empire.

Medal bars such as this were proudly worn at veterans’ events, parades, and reunions, serving as both personal honors and symbols of camaraderie among soldiers.

Display Recommendations:

• A glass-front shadow box or professional display mount with appropriate lighting will preserve and highlight this historic piece.
• Accompany with documentation or family histories to contextualize its importance further.