Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a very nice Imperial German genuine medal bar, owned by a German soldier who fought during WWI, and spent some of that time in service to the Grand Duchy of Baden. They may have also served during the Weimar period, but there are no medals from that period. The ribbons are somewhat faded and worn, but most colors are still relatively vibrant.

The set of 5 medals offered in good condition is mounted on a metal backing board with pin and consists of the following medals:

- Imperial German WWI Iron Cross 1914 2nd Class Medal
- Imperial German Saxony Friedrich August Medal in Gold
- Franz Joseph Bravery Medal 1915-1917
- Imperial German WWI Honor Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (Hindenburg Cross) Medal
- Imperial German Austro-Hungarian WWI Pro Deo et Patria Military Medal 1914-1918.

Below is an explanation of each medal in detail:

German WWI Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class with Ribbon: Established by Frederick William in 1813 for gallantry in action, the Eisernes Kreuz (EK) decoration was revived several times for later conflicts. The bulk of the issues are divided into 1st and 2nd class versions, but a rare and superior 'Grand Cross' was also awarded for successful field commanders. During WW1 the lower decoration was freely awarded with 5½ million second class types issued. Originally, the Iron Cross was an award of the Kingdom of Prussia, however given Prussia's pre-eminent place in the German Empire formed in 1871, it became an award for all of Germany.

The basic design of the WW1 crosses is a central Tatzenkreuz (cross pattée) struck from iron and mounted in a silver frame which has a raised crenulated decorative border. The obverse of the cross bears the date 1914 under a crowned 'W' monogram. Reverse bears an oak leaf cluster with the date of the decoration’s institution, 1813 underneath - the crowned initials of Frederick William are in the top arm above the oak leaf cluster. Suspension for second-class types is by means of a ring, and frequently this ring bears a maker's stamp.

Please examine the edge seam for authentication, which is not present on reproductions. Iron crosses were commonly constructed from an iron core sandwiched in a surrounding two part silver frame, normally the seam of these two silver parts is visible around the edge of the cross as is seen on this fine example.

Kingdom of Saxony Friedrich August Medal: The Friedrich August Medal was awarded by King Friedrich August III, and instituted by Saxony on April 23, 1905. It was awarded "for the recognition of merit in teams from the sergeant down and to civilians of equal rank in war and peace." The bronze medal was awarded to all ranks up to private and silver from non-commissioned officers .

The award is made of bronze or bronzed iron or a silver round medal with a diameter of approx. 28 mm. The front face of the medal shows the intertwined letters FAR (Friedrich August Rex) under the Saxon crown . The cipher is surrounded by a laurel wreath that is open at the top and bound together at the bottom. The reverse simply is marked Friedrich August Medaille, with decorations around it.

This medal is held by a blue and yellow ribbon indicates it was issued during wartime, 1914-1918.

Franz Joseph Medal for Bravery: The Bravery Medal as a decoration had existed since it was first established by Joseph II in 1789. The first decorations issued specifically for bravery were called Honor Decorations (Ehrenzeichen) until 1809 when the next decoration in the series was re-named as the Bravery Medal (Tapferkeitsmedaille). In addition to the medal issued in 1789 versions of this medal designated as Honor Medals were issued in 1792 by Franz II and 1804 by Franz I. Versions designated as Bravery Medals were issued in 1809 by Franz I and in 1839 by Ferdinand I. In 1849 when Franz Joseph came to the throne he modified the bravery medal to assure that it was consistent with the other awards that bore his image during this phase of his reign. He further modified the bravery medal in 1859 and would again in 1866 and for a final time in 1915.

Hindenburg Cross with Crossed Swords (for combat): The Honor Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (German: Das Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914/1918), commonly, but incorrectly, known as the Hindenburg Cross was established by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, President of the German Republic, by an order dated 13 July 1934, to commemorate the distinguished deeds of the German people during the First World War. This was Germany's first official service medal for soldiers of Imperial Germany who had taken part in the war, and where they had since died it was also awarded to their surviving next-of-kin. Shortly after its issuance, the government of NSDAP Germany declared the award as the only official service decoration of the First World War and further forbid the continued wearing of German Free Corps awards on any military or paramilitary uniform of a state or NSDAP Party organization.

Austro- Hungarian WWI Pro Deo et Patria Military Medal 1914-1918: Hungary (Austro-hungarian Empire): Hungarian WWI Commemorative Combatant's military medal PRO DEO ET PATRIA (for God and Country). Award for the participation in the Great War. The medal was instituted in 1929. It is mounted on the correct red white and green ribbon, though the green has faded almost completely to yellow.

A great parade medal bar that is welcomed into any caliber collection. Comes ready for further research and display.