Condition: Excellent
Base Material: Cotton
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Product Description: This original Knights Cross Ribbon is a scarce piece. It measures eighteen inches long, making this a partial ribbon; a complete ribbon would measure twenty-eight inches long. This red, white and black ribbon is a textbook example, with all of the features one expects to see for pre-1945 production, including the correct thirty white threads. The ribbon has been folded, and is crisp, with no sign of wear. One end is cut at an angle. The colors remain strong, with normal, slight age toning evident to the white fibers. There are no holes or stains to note. This Original Knights Cross Ribbon would be a great accessory for display with a cross missing the ribbon, and is a desirable collectible item in its own right. The condition of this ribbon is excellent.
Historical Description: The German Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. Instituted on September 1st, 1939, the Knights Cross has come to be known as one of the most recognized awards of World War Two. Awarded for acts of extreme bravery during combat, or successful leadership resulting in extraordinary success, the Knights Cross and its subsequent grades was among Germany’s highest military decorations. The Knights Cross was worn around the neck, suspended by a black, red, and white ribbon. Every member of Germany’s armed forces were eligible to be awarded the Knights Cross, provided the requirements of awarding had been met. The awarding process, determining whether or not a soldier was worthy of the award, began as a recommendation at the company level. This recommendation was then reviewed and either approved or denied. Upon approval, it would continue up the chain of command and end with Adolf Hitler, himself, making the final judgment. The Knights Cross was awarded 7,364 times during the course of the war. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 Knights Crosses were produced between September 1939 to May 1945.
The Knights Cross was constructed of three separate pieces, a core and two outer frames. The core, made of iron, zinc, or brass, was placed between the two outer silver frames and delicately hand soldered together. The Cross was then suspended by a large loop through the frames top eyelet. A ribbon of black, white, and red was then threaded through the suspension loop. The production of the Knights Cross was strictly regulated. Only the companies granted approval by the government were legally allowed to produce the Knights Cross.
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