This miniature medal bar from the Second World War represents a characteristic form of military award display used by the Wehrmacht. This compact arrangement features two significant decorations: the Iron Cross 1939 2nd Class and the Wound Badge 1939 in Silver.

Historical Background of Miniature Medal Bars

Miniature medal bars developed in the German military system as an elegant alternative to wearing full-sized decorations. While original awards were worn on official occasions and during service, miniature bars served primarily for civilian attire or social events. With a standard width of 9 mm, these reduced representations could be worn discreetly on the lapel while still testifying to the wearer's military achievements.

The Iron Cross 1939 2nd Class

The Iron Cross was renewed on September 1, 1939, the day of the German invasion of Poland, by Adolf Hitler. This decoration continued the Prussian tradition dating back to the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon in 1813. The 1939 version differed from its predecessors through the date “1939” in the lower arm of the cross and the swastika in the center instead of the Prussian crown.

The 2nd Class was awarded with a black-white-red ribbon and was originally intended to be worn in the buttonhole of the uniform jacket. After receiving the award, most soldiers wore only the ribbon in the buttonhole, while the actual decoration was donned only on special occasions. The Iron Cross 2nd Class was the most frequently awarded grade of this decoration and was given for bravery before the enemy or outstanding leadership achievements.

The Wound Badge 1939 in Silver

The Wound Badge was instituted by decree on September 1, 1939 and officially announced on September 3, 1939. It existed in three grades: Black, Silver, and Gold. The silver grade was awarded for three to four wounds or for the loss of a hand, foot, or eye. Alternatively, it could also be awarded for severe head injuries, concussions, or complete hearing loss.

The badge depicted a steel helmet above crossed swords, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The silver version typically consisted of silver-plated zinc casting or non-ferrous metal. Unlike the Black Wound Badge, which was relatively frequently awarded, the silver version already represented a considerable burden of wounds and was correspondingly rarer.

Technical Characteristics and Manufacturing

The miniature bar described here, with a width of 9 mm, corresponds to the standard dimensions for such productions. Attachment was accomplished by means of a long pin on the reverse, which was inserted through the fabric and secured by a small clasp device. The miniature versions were often produced by the same manufacturers who made the original awards, although numerous specialized jewelers and goldsmiths also created such pieces.

The quality of miniature bars varied considerably. While some versions were worked in high-quality enameling and with fine details, simpler versions made of stamped metal also existed. The stated condition 2 indicates a well-preserved miniature bar with minor signs of wear.

Wearing Practice and Social Significance

After the war's end and in the post-war period, wearing NS awards in Germany was subject to strict restrictions. According to the Law on Titles, Orders and Decorations of 1957, awards from the Second World War period could only be worn in “denazified” form, meaning without swastikas. This particularly affected the Iron Cross, whose center had to be modified accordingly.

Collector Value and Historical Significance

Today, such miniature bars represent important contemporary historical documents. They provide insights into the military award system of the Third Reich and the individual military history of their bearers. For military-historical research, they are significant as they often provide clues about production methods, manufacturer variants, and the practice of awarding decorations. Collectors particularly value well-preserved examples with documented provenance.

Context and Interpretation

The combination of the Iron Cross and the Wound Badge on a single miniature bar tells a story of combat service and personal sacrifice. The bearer of these awards demonstrated both courage in action (Iron Cross) and the physical cost of warfare (Wound Badge in Silver). Such combinations were common among Wehrmacht personnel who saw extended combat service on various fronts throughout the war. These miniature bars served not only as personal mementos but also as visible symbols of military service in post-war society, where veterans sought to maintain their identity while navigating the complex legacy of their wartime service.