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Condition: Excellent
Maker: Steinhauer & Luck
Pattern: Micro “800”
Product Description: This Type A Micro 800 Knight’s Cross is an outstanding, cased, original example of this iconic and supremely desirable award. This variant was manufactured by the firm of Steinhauer and Lück in Lüdenscheid. This is a textbook piece, in unissued condition. The core is very nice, and retains virtually all of the original matte black paint finish, with crisp detailing to the swastika and dates. The frame retains most of the original burnishing, with frosting to the beading. Nice shine gives this cross outstanding eye appeal. Every detail of this piece is as one expects to see, with the correct knee flaw as well as 3 o’clock beading flaws. This lovely cross is marked with the “micro 800” on the reverse of the frame, as well as the typical 800 mark on the suspension loop, indicating the silver content (80 percent silver). This Micro 800 Knight’s Cross is complete with an original ribbon, and both the cross and ribbon are housed in an outstanding case. The exterior of the case shows intact original color and surface, with only small scattered marks,. The push button and hinge function flawlessly. A black insert displays the cross and ribbon beautifully, and the silky fabric in the lid is intact. This cross comes with complete Certificate of Authenticity from the foremost authority on these prestigious awards, and author of the Knight’s Cross book, Dietrich Maerz. It would be tough to find a nicer example of this award, which could be the centerpiece of an advanced collection. The condition rates as excellent plus.
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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