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Condition: Near Mint
Maker: Steinhauer & Luck
Pattern: Micro “800”
Product Description: This cased Type A Steinhauer & Luck Knight’s Cross is an outstanding example of this iconic and extremely desirable award. The award is gorgeous and near mint. It is a typical “A” type S&L Knight’s Cross, with the correct 10 o’clock knee flaw as well as the famous 3 o’clock beading flaws, which can be seen without a loupe. The iron core retains virtually all of the original factory applied black paint. The swastika and dates are sharply defined. The frame is stunning, and retains all of its original high silver burnishing, as well as lovely white frosting to the crisp beading of the arms. The frame is correctly marked with the micro “800” mark on the upper reverse arm, indicating the frame’s silver content. This cross is complete with its correct original suspension ring, which is also marked “800.” The suspension ring retains its original black burnishing, something that is nearly always worn off of Knight’s Crosses as most people pick them up by the loop. The folded ribbon with this cross is clean and bright, and is unused; it does not appear that this crisp ribbon has ever been passed through the suspension loop of the cross. This exceptional Steinhauer & Luck Knight’s Cross is complete with its original case. The case is fully functional, and in very nice unissued condition. The exterior retains virtually all of the original surface, with no damage. Inside, the cross and ribbon are beautifully displayed on a black velvet insert. The silk lining in the lid shows slight toning, and the hinge cover is split, as is often the case. This textbook set comes with a complete COA from the foremost authority on these prestigious awards, and author of the Knight’s Cross book, Dietrich Maerz. It would be very hard to upgrade this set, which would be a top highlight in virtually any collection. The overall condition is near mint.
Historical Description: The German Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. Instituted on September 1st, 1939, the Knight’s 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 Knight’s Cross and its subsequent grades was among Germany’s highest military decorations. The Knight’s Cross was worn around the neck, suspended by a black, red, and white ribbon. Every member of Germany’s armed forces was eligible to be awarded the Knight’s 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 Knight’s Cross was awarded 7,364 times during the war. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 Knight’s Crosses were produced between September 1939 to May 1945.
The Knight’s 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 Knight’s Cross.
Known Manufacturers: Juncker, Steinhauer & Luck, Klein & Quenzer, Otto Schickle, C.F. Zimmermann, Gebruder Godet, Unknown “3/4 Ring”.
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