Germany. Third Reich. Ribbon Bar with the Iron Cross and Eastern Front Medal

German ribbon bar (Ordensschnalle) comprising two Second World War decorations:

• 1939 Iron Cross, Second Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse 1939), re-established at the beginning of the Second World War to recognize bravery and military merit in combat.
• Eastern Front Winter Campaign Medal, 1941–1942 (Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42), popularly known as the Ostmedaille, instituted on 26 May 1942 to recognize participation in the Eastern Front campaign during the winter of 1941–1942.

This type of ribbon bar allowed the wearer to display the ribbons of their decorations on everyday uniform, without having to wear the full medals.

Original German Second World War ribbon bar.