Godet Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross – 2nd Pattern

Product Description: This set of Godet Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross is an extremely rare and desirable piece. This award was instituted on June 3, 1940, to recognize further achievements of soldiers who had already earned the Knight’s Cross. Over the course of the war, there were only 882 recipients of this extremely prestigious award. This example is a textbook Godet produced set, of the type known to collectors as the second pattern. Every detail is exactly as one would expect to see. The material is 900 silver (90 percent pure silver). The obverse shows appealing age toning to the surface, and little or no wear. The correct die flaw is present on the central lobe’s raised side profile area. The reverse is complete, with a pleasant, uncleaned patina. It is marked with the stamped number “900” indicating the silver content, as well as the Präsidialkanzlei number “21” indicating manufacture by Godet in Berlin. There is no damage to note. This set of Godet Oak Leaves is a gorgeous, choice gem, that would be very difficult to upgrade. The condition rates as excellent plus.

Historical Description: The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross was instituted on September 1, 1939, and was awarded for skilled leadership, distinguished conduct, or individual acts of bravery in combat. At that time, it was the highest award for bravery that a German soldier could earn. On June 3, 1940, the Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross were introduced to further recognize extremely distinguished achievements by soldiers who had already been awarded the Knight’s Cross. The Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves award was in the form of a finely struck cluster of oak leaves, made of silver, and affixed to a suspension loop from which the Knight’s Cross would be suspended when worn. On September 28, 1941, two further grades of the Knight’s Cross were introduced. The Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords was nearly identical to the Oak Leaves but featured two crossed swords beneath the leaf cluster. The new highest grade, the Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds, was intricately made, and recipients were given one set with rhinestones and a second set with real diamonds. On December 29, 1944, with the war coming to an end, a highest and final grade was introduced, the Knight’s Cross with Gold Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Originally intended for the 12 most distinguished service members in the German military, made of real gold and diamonds, only one set was awarded before the end of the war.

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