Condition: Near Mint
Pattern: 1957
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Product Description: This cased 1957 pattern reissue Knight’s Cross is a nice, clean set. This example was probably produced in the 1960s or 1970s. The 1957 design was a state sanctioned replacement award for veterans who had been awarded the Knight’s Cross but could not wear the original Third Reich form with banned swastika emblem. The cross is virtually perfect. The core retains all of the original factory applied black paint, and the dates and oak leaves emblems are crisply defined. The frame shows no wear, and only extremely slight age toning. The original suspension ring is intact. This handsome cross is housed in a mint case, together with an unworn ribbon. The ribbon is full length, with bright original color. The case is flawless. All of the original exterior surface is intact. The closure is functional and pristine. Inside, the cross and ribbon are displayed on a black velvet insert. This cased reissue Knight’s Cross is an outstanding example of the 1957 pattern Iron Cross, that remains in near mint condition overall.
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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