Bar with the Non-Combatants China and South West Africa Medals
Photo © JW Collection
Note that the medals appear at a 45
degree angle and in reverse order of seniority. This type of bar (known
as a "Frackspange"),
was for wear on a tuxedo or
evening dress and would follow the angle of the lapel thus showing the
most senior
decoration at the top. From upper right to lower left they are-
Prussian Order of the Red Eagle,
fourth class 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War Medal for non-combatants worn on a
combatants ribbon. This distinction may have been for reservists.
1866
Battle of Königgrätz Medal
1864 Second Schleswig War Medal for
combatants
1904-08 South West Africa Campaign Medal
for non-combatants
1900-01 China Campaign Medal for
non-combatants
Prussian Wilhelm I Centenary Medal
The original owner of this medal bar
was an officer who served in a total of five campaigns including all
three Wars of German Unification. He fought in both the Second Schleswig War against Denmark in 1864 and the
Austro-Prussian War of 1866. He was possibly a reservist in the Franco-Prussian
War 1870-71 and later served in a non-combatant role in both the Boxer and Herero Rebellions.
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