$24,995.00
Condition: Excellent +
Maker: Otto Schickle
In stock
Product Description: This exceptional Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross is attributed to Luftwaffe Ace Ralph von Rettberg, one of the early Luftwaffe fighter commanders and a decorated recipient of the Knight’s Cross during the Second World War. Additionally, the accompanying neck ribbon is attributed to Luftwaffe General Walter von Hippel. Presented here with extensive provenance and documentation, this offering represents a rare convergence of artifact and personal history, all traced back through George A. Petersen of National Capital Historical Sales, Inc.
The cross itself is a superb early-production example manufactured by the firm of Otto Schickle of Pforzheim, one of the first and rarest Knight’s Cross makers. Although unmarked, the cross displays all textbook characteristics of Schickle manufacture. These include the distinctive dimple in the first beading strand at the 12 o’clock arm, the elongated and oval suspension loop, and the slightly narrower arm proportions that distinguish this early pattern. The piece is constructed in the classic three-piece format, with a magnetic iron core housed between a silver frame. The obverse core retains much of its original black lacquer finish with only the slightest traces of age toning, while the reverse shows similarly well-preserved detail. The silver frame exhibits a pleasing, even patina throughout, highlighting the fine beaded borders and the raised central swastika and date “1939.” Edges remain sharp and free from damage, with crisp definition to every detail. Overall, the cross remains in excellent + condition, a striking example of one of the most desirable variants.
Accompanying the decoration is its original neck ribbon, attributed to Luftwaffe General Walter von Hippel. The ribbon is of period manufacture, tailored with three metal snap fasteners sewn to the reverse, reflecting a personalized adaptation for wear. It exhibits slight toning and several small pinholes to the rear portion, consistent with mounting, but remains highly attractive and complete.
Of particular importance is the remarkable archive of documentation accompanying this group. Included are numerous original letters exchanged between George A. Petersen and von Rettberg, in which they discuss personal meetings and the transfer of the decoration. Also preserved are photocopies of von Rettberg’s Soldbuch, signed photographs, postcards, research notes, newspaper clippings, and other documents chronicling both his military career and his postwar life. Together, these papers provide an unusually detailed provenance, linking this Knight’s Cross directly to von Rettberg and preserving the context of its transfer through Petersen in the 1970s–1980s.
This ensemble presents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire not only a Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross by Otto Schickle—one of the scarcest and most sought-after variants—but also one with documented provenance spanning over four decades, tied to two notable Luftwaffe figures and one of America’s best-known militaria dealers. For the advanced collector or institution, this grouping stands as both a rare artifact of valor and a meticulously documented historical record.
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.
Known Manufacturers: Juncker, Steinhauer & Luck, Klein & Quenzer, Otto Schickle, C.F. Zimmermann, Gebruder Godet, Unknown “3/4 Ring”.
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