Condition: Excellent ++
Maker: Juncker L/12
Base Material: Silver “800”
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Product Description: We are pleased to be able to offer this exceptional cased L/12 Juncker Knights Cross. This variant of Juncker manufactured award is regarded as the “holy grail” of the Knights Cross collecting world. The Knights Cross, an iconic and extremely desirable decoration, has been a subject of focused study in recent years. During this time, and as a result of this study, the L/12 Knights Cross has become the most sought-after Knights Cross on the market. They are considered by every collector as THE “bench standard” Knights Cross and are hands down wartime accepted by every collector out there. As a result, these L/12 marked crosses just aren’t available anymore. This set is completely unissued, and is a beautiful, unworn set. The cross itself is a gem. The core retains all of its original, factory applied, matte black paint on both sides. The dates on the front and the reverse are consistent with all other Juncker produced crosses. The frame is “800” silver, and has developed a very light and pleasing patina from age. The classic “#” marks on the cross’ inner corners are presented nicely. The inner corners of this type of frame do not exhibit the hard hand filing of some of the other Juncker crosses to enable the swastika to fit in between the corners of the frame. These more pointed corners on this cross makes the frame appear more uniform and crisp. The upper reverse of the frame is stamped “800” for the silver content and “L/12” for the maker, textbook for this variant. An original and correct Juncker style ribbon loop is affixed to the eyelet at the top[ of the frame. The ribbon is neatly and originally folded inside the case, and is full length, with strong original color and no damage. This award is housed in a gorgeous case, which is the typical style for these 1941 produced crosses. The exterior of the case has little to no wear, and the artificial leather covering shows no fading and retains virtually all of the original surface. The push button and hinge function perfectly, and the external hinge cover is flawless. Inside, the lid is lined with white artificial silk that shows only very very light age toning. The cross rests perfectly in the wartime case. This cased L/12 Juncker Knights Cross is a nearly impossible set to find on the market and is in unbelievable condition. If i didn’t already own one (…or two), I would be keeping this set.
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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