Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 im Band und Etui by 800 L/12 - C. E. Juncker of Berlin. The 800 L/12 is considered the “holy grail” for RK collectors… The Knights 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.
Collectors often ask about provenance and most often I can’t say much past who we purchased it from, yet this one is a different story! We are the sixth owners of this cross. Bill Shea had originally purchased it from the grandson of the veteran who brought it home. During WWII, LTC Richard Gynn was an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers and was involved in preparing the explosion and destruction of the massive swastika at the Zeppelin Field in Nuremberg. Shea states that a story about this veteran, and his findings, is included in his: The Stories Behind the Treasures of World War II “The Making of a Collectorholic” Vol III. From LTC Richard Gynn it passed to his grandson, then Bill Shea who sold it to a collector who we purchased it from. Shea originally purchased the cross with a 3 ¼ inch piece of ribbon (from a ribbon bar) with a hook on it, which was likely attached to a Knights Cross confectioned fitted ribbon. Shea then added the other 3 ¼ inch piece of ribbon (from a ribbon bar) and a 2nd class Iron Cross ribbon with professionally attached tan NCO tress, for display purposes. The collector then purchased the full-length unissued ribbon and case.
Included in this group is:
- A Knights Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by L/12 - C. E. Juncker of Berlin
- A Knights Cross full-length 28 ½ Ribbon and Issue Case
- The ribbon bar with hook that originally came with the RK and an additional piece of ribbon bar
- The EKII neck band with stitched on tan tress
- A Certificate of Authenticity from Bill Shea
- A Certificate of Authenticity from Dietrich Maerz, author of The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross
- A Certificate of Authenticity from Lakesidetrader
- A wooden display plaque
The Knights Cross 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 was black painted. The two-piece frame was constructed out of an “800” silver content that was 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. The reverse-top of the border it is LDO marked “L/12” and “800” silver content marked. The black paint is in wonderful condition 98%+ and the silver border has beautifully patinaed with time. The cross measures approximately 1 7/8 inches wide and tall (without the ring). The original suspension loop (non-Juncker textbook) is attached to the integral ring (Öse) and is also correctly marked “800”. Accompanying the cross is the appropriate tri-color (schwarz-weiss-rot) Knights Cross ribbon. The 28 ½ inch long unissued ribbed ribbon is constructed out of a machine embroidered red, white and black rayon. The award and ribbon come housed in an original issue case (non-Juncker textbook). 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 steel, spring loaded closure button. To the back is a steel staggered, piano hinge. To the top lid 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 interior top is constructed out of a pearl satin material and has an underlying pad. Most of the padding is towards the award end. The exterior shows only 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. For those who don’t know, the reason Juncker made crosses stand apart is the fact that their dies were destroyed during an Allied air raid on Berlin late in the war. This indicates that all Juncker crosses were made during the war. A sure guarantee that this cross was awarded and given to a Knights Cross winner. I was told, due to the wear, that this piece was likely awarded to a member of the Army. With all the “extras” and the great provenance on this one, it is sure to satisfy the next owner…
