Cased Knights Cross of the Iron Cross by Steinhauer & Lück

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

An Early Type-A “Micro 800” - Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 im Etui by Steinhauer & Lück of Lüdenscheid. The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 was the highest award made by Nazi Germany to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or outstanding military leadership during World War II. The award is constructed 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 base that has been frosted and polished. A final protectant lacquer was applied over the entire award. The obverse features a large pattée 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 reverse-top of the border it is marked with a small “800” (silver content designation). The black matte paint retains 97%+ coverage. The silver border has beautifully patinaed with time. The cross measures 1 15/16 inches wide and tall (without the ring). An “800” marked suspension loop is attached to the integral ring. Accompanying the award is the appropriate folded tri-color (schwarz-weiss-rot) Knights Cross ribbon. The 16 ¾ inch long ribbed ribbon is constructed out of a machine embroidered red, white and black rayon. The ribbon shows minor thread catches. The award and ribbon come housed in their appropriate issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in simulated grained faux black leather (Lederimitat). To the front is a two piece gilded round tombak/steel, spring loaded closure button. To the back is gilded tombak, staggered, piano hinge, with a steel hinge-pin. To the very top is an impressed exterior line border. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a black velvet material that outlines a knights cross and a place for a folded ribbon. There is a white pressed cardboard exterior border. The one piece that holds the award is removable. The interior top is constructed out of a pearl satin material and has an underlying pad. That same material is used for the interior hinge. The exterior shows minor scuffs/hits throughout. The case measures 5 5/8 inches long, 3 1/16 inches wide and deep and 7/8 of an inch thick. Overall everything is in excellent condition. A very desirable assembly…