Knights Cross of the Iron Cross by Klein & Quenzer

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 H. 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. 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 95%+ coverage. Minor oxidization, mostly concentrated to the reverse. The silver border has beautifully patinaed with time. The cross weighs 31g and measures 48.63mm wide and 49.08mm tall. A “800” marked suspension loop is attached to the integral ring. Due to the lack of a PKZ number this early example is manufactured prior to 1944, which adds to the fact that this one was most likely awarded and worn. Accompanying the award is tri-color (schwarz-weiss-rot) Knights Cross ribbon. The 11-inch-long ribbed ribbon is constructed out of a machine embroidered red, white and black rayon. The pinnacle of German Third Reich collecting...