Godet Oak Leaves & Swords to the Knight’s Cross

Product Description: This set of Godet Oak Leaves & Swords is a textbook original piece. There were only 150 recipients of the Oak Leaves and Swords, making it a very prestigious award; few collectors will ever own an award at this level of scarcity and desirability. It is made of 900 silver (90 percent pure silver). The obverse is gorgeous, with exquisite detail and virtually no wear. The silver shows attractive age toning and a slight, uncleaned age patina. The Oak Leaves are the form known as the second pattern, and show the correct flaw on the central lobe’s raised side profile area. The reverse of this Godet Oak Leaves & Swords shows beautiful toning. The ribbon loop is intact. The area behind the oak leaves is stamped with “900” for the silver content, as well as the PKZ maker code “21” indicating manufacture by the prestigious firm of Godet in Berlin. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the very highest level combat awards produced during WWII. This outstanding specimen remains in excellent plus condition.

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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