Kurt Rohrbeck's Knights Cross Award Grouping

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Iron Cross Series > Knights Cross

This Knight's Cross grouping was purchased from a German collector originally by Andre Vandewynckel (Flanders Militaria) who lived in Schleswig-Holstein which is where Kurt Rohrbeck lived. According to Andre the Knight's Cross recipients name, Kurt Rohrbeck, was revealed to Andre after the purchase. Kurt Rohrbeck was a Cavalry Recon Officer. He was awarded the German Cross in Gold as Oberleutnant while attached to Division-Fuselier Battalion 68 on June 28 1944. He was awarded his Knight's Cross as second in command while attached to Fuhrer Aufklarungs Lehr Abteilung 1 (Training School) on March 11 1944. Rohrbeck was also awarded the gold wound badge, General Assault Badge, Close Combat in silver, and First and Second Iron Crosses. It was speculated that Rohrbeck ended up leading a Recon Training School due to his injuries. Kurt Rohrbeck was born on 07-09-14 in Netzwalde Kreis Schubin/Provinz Posen, which is now Poznan in Poland. He served in the Bundeswehr as an Oberstleutnant (Lt. Colonel) and died on 10-07-92 in Kappelheck/Provinz Schleswig-Holstein which in in northern Germany.

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest award made by Nazi Germany to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or outstanding military leadership during World War II. The award is a die struck three-piece construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of an iron metal base that has been black painted. The two piece frame is constructed out of an "800" silver content that has been frosted and polished. The obverse features a larger patt�e style cross that has a centrally placed embossed mobile swastika and an embossed "1939" (Hitler's re-institution date) date to the lower arm, which is all on a black base and surrounded by a silver ribbed/beaded row and flat outlying border. The reverse shows an embossed "1813" (the original institution date) date to the lower arm, which is on a black base and surrounded by that same silver ribbed/beaded row and flat outlying border. To the top-reverse of border (just below the integral ring) is a "800" (silver content designation) mark. The black matte paint is in excellent condition 97%+ and the silver border has beautifully patinaed with time! The cross measures approximately 1 7/8 inches wide and tall (without the ring). A suspension loop is attached to the ring (�se) which is also correctly Pr�sidialkanzlei (PZK) maker marked "65" (Klein & Quenzer, Idar-Oberstein) and "800" (silver content designation) marked. This piece comes with a seven page COA/Expertise from Dietrick Maerz. A Near Mint Knights Cross Ribbon has been added. This ribbed ribbon is constructed out of machine embroidered, black, white and red rayon. It features a dominant central red horizontal base with two narrow white then black outer edge stripes. It retains beautiful color and only minor age wear. It measures roughly 45mm wide by 58 1/2 cm long.

Here is Kurt Rohrbeck's Gold German Cross by Otto Klein & Co. It consists of a die struck 5 piece construction made of a; light cupal base, white aluminum core, gold gilded tombak wreath, along with red and black enamel work. The obverse features a large centrally placed raised black enamel mobile swastika, on a smooth white/silver aluminum base, which is then surrounded by a gold gilded tombak laurel leaf and ribbon wreath that is marked "1941" to the bottom and lies on a red enamel base. This is all then on a two piece backend and silvered eight point sunburst pattern backing. The reverse shows a full silvered back and correctly displays; the centrally placed "134" (Otto Klein & Co., Hanau) maker mark, four rivets, a soldered C-shaped catch, soldered sheet metal hinge (which are both on base plates), and a sturdy tapered pin. The cross features the correct: height, width, weight and die flaws. The swastika's enamel shows minor pin pricks and is in excellent condition perfect being 98%+ intact! The white aluminum base is also in excellent condition with common ageing and patina. It provides a beautiful bright contrast to the dark black swastika. The wreath looks excellent and retains wonderful gilding! The sunburst shows minor thinning to the high points along some spotting towards the wreath. Overall it is in excellent condition with excellent details and enamel work! See page 212 of "The German Cross" by Dietrich Maerz. It measures approximately 2 ½ inches wide and tall.

Also included is Kurt Rohrbeck's 2nd Class Iron Cross. The EKII was awarded for an act of bravery in the face of the enemy, or actions that were clearly above and beyond the call of duty. It is a multi-piece, die struck construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of an iron metal base that has been black enamel painted. The two piece frame is constructed out of a nickel silver base that has been silver washed and polished. A final protectant lacquer was applied over the entire award. The obverse features; a patt�e style cross that has a centrally placed embossed mobile swastika and "1939" to the lower arm, which is all on a black base and surrounded by a silvered ribbed/beaded row and a flat outlying border. The reverse features that same black base with a raised "1813" to the lower arm and has that same ribbed and flat outlying boarder. To the top is a soldered on loop and ring which holds approximately 6 3/4 inches of red, white and black rayon ribbon. The paint is in excellent condition being 97%+ intact! The border shows beautiful dark age patina. The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall.

I acquired Kurt Rohrbeck's RK, DKiG and EKII. I added the ribbon. The GAB, DKiG (in cloth) and CCC in silver are still available for sale by Flanders Militaria here: http://www.flandersmilitaria.be/index.php?item=what_s-new_&action=page&group_id=49&lang=EN.

This is a wonderful piece of history don't miss your chance to get something great!