Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by 65

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

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 by Klein & Quenzer A.G. of Idar-Oberstein. Instituted September 1, 1939, the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 was the highest award (next to the Grand Cross which was only awarded once to Goering) made by Nazi Germany to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or outstanding military leadership during World War II. A total of 7313 Knight's Crosses were awarded. This example is textbook 1944/45 era. This exact piece was reported to have been taken from a general officer in the surrendering party of Heinz Guderian but the veteran's documentation has been lost by previous collector... Comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity from author Dietrich Maerz.

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” 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 48.5mm wide and 48.1mm tall. A “800 65” marked suspension loop is attached to the integral ring. It weighs 32.2g. Accompanying the award is a confectioned fitted 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 pinnacle of most collections.