WW1 3 medal bar odd combo.

[trixie123]

No dynastic connection I can find ? Could it be a navy guy ?  

[Proud Kraut]

Center medal inscription is: ERNST LUDWIG GROSSHERZOG VON HESSEN (Ernst Ludwig Grand Duke of Hesse).

[S.ChrisKelly]

This is an uncommon combination.

 

The first award is the Iron Cross Second Class 1914, on the black ribbon. The second award is the Hessen General Honor Decoration (Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen), with "Für Tapferkeit" on the reverse - "for bravery".  The third award is the Mecklenburg - Schwerin War Merit Cross Second Class 1914 (Militärverdienstkreuz).  The initials are for the grand duke, Friedrich Franz IV.

 

The Hessen medals were established in 1843, and the inscription on the reverse indicates what it recognizes (bravery, merit, long service, etc.).  These medals were struck in silver until 1918, when they were silver - plated zinc. 

 

The Meckleburg crosses were established in 1848, and were that grand duchy's equivalent to the Prussian Iron Cross, and were generally issued with the date of the war/campaign on the lower terminal of the crosses' obverses (i.e., 1870 [Franco - Prussian War], 1877 [Russo - Turkish War], 1900 [Boxer Rebellion]).  It's the Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz), Second Class 1914. They're made from gilded tombac.

 

Generally, when a medal bar is found with two different states' awards, it's likely an award to an officer, and likely an army officer since the Kaiserliche Marine wasn't that big. Since it's missing the Honor Cross with swords, safe to assume this is a genuine pre-1934 mounted medal bar.  The Hessen medal looks like it may be a zinc one.  The Iron Cross is in great condition, as is the Military Merit Cross. That's a nice, genuine First World War medal bar.

[SARGE]

I would not think this medal bar belonged to a navy guy with the green cloth backing.