THE KNIGHT'S CROSS AWARD
A Post War Original
No other military award of the Third Reich era carries with it the mystique of the Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz) to the Iron Cross. Suffice to say that the men who proudly wore the Knight's Cross at their throat had distinguished themselves in the crucible of battle. The Ritterkreuzträgers became the heroes of an adoring Nazi Germany. In fact, to this day the Ritterkreuzträgers are still held in high esteem in their own communities.
In September of 1939, the Knights Cross was created by Hitler to bridge the sizable gap that had existed between the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Grand Cross. An unprecedented grade of the Iron Cross, the Knights Cross could be distributed to all ranks and more than a handful of times, yet recipients would remain part of an exclusive and elite group.
These are made in Europe from the original Third Reich molds and are identical to the originals. They may be called "Post War Originals" or true Museum Copies. Check the photographs and note the correct, finely detailed cross-hatching, the nearly invisible seams, the correct maker marks and the loop stamped 800.
They simply don't come any better then this fine example. An excellent addition to any Third Reich collection. Correct case and ribbon included.
These are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, please email for availability.
Below: An aged example of an ".800 20"
OTHER COMMENTS & OPTIONS:
- Also available from time to time with the "800 20" or "800"makers mark.
- Please note that the "Lazy 2" maker mark may have the "2" resting face down or face up, both positions are correct.
- Also available "aged" at no extra cost.
- Although we try to always carry the "Lazy 2" mark, shipments may have different maker marks and a "Lazy 2" may not always be possible.
- Each $595 US (ribbon & case included)
THE OAK LEAVES TO THE KNIGHT'S CROSS (A MUSEUM COPY)
During the Western campaigns it became apparent that a new grade of award would be needed to further distinguish those who had received the highest grade of the Iron Cross, the Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz). On June 3rd, 1940 Hitler introduced the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross.
Criteria for the Oak Leaves was based on continued excellence in command, bravery of the highest order or actions of significant importance. Recommendations for the Oak Leaves were formally presented by the Commanding Officer and reviewed all the way to Hitler, who closely scrutinized each one and very often presented the award personally.
Offered for sale here is a superb, true Museum Copy of this much sought after award. Check the photographs and I'm sure you will agree they simply don't come any better then this fine example. An excellent addition to any Third Reich collection. Correct case and ribbon included.
I usually have a few on hand, but from time to time there may be a waiting period of a couple of weeks until the next shipment arrives.
- Each $275 US (ribbon & case included)
THE OAK LEAVES WITH SWORDS TO THE KNIGHT'S CROSS (A MUSEUM COPY)
As Germany's Armed forces moved into the Soviet Union, Hitler instituted the next successive grade of the Knights Cross. The Oak Leaves and Swords (Eichenlaub und Schwertern), authorized on July 15th 1941, were created as a further incentive to the Legions of men now moving East.
This award was composed of an Oak Leaves cluster identical to that of the preceding grade, but with the addition of a pair of crossed silver swords soldered at the base.
The criteria for the Swords followed the same pattern as the Oak Leaves. Individuals presented with this award represented the best fighting men Germany had to offer. Members of the Heer and SS needed to have the most impressive portfolio in order to be considered, not only bravery but also combat and leadership skills were needed to rise above the rest and be recognized with the Swords. Lufftwaffe personnel followed the same points system as in the preceding classes, with only the most experienced aces reaching the points required.
Offered for sale here is a superb, true Museum Copy of this much sought after award. Check the photographs and I'm sure you'll agree they simply don't come any better then this fine example. An excellent addition to any Third Reich collection. Correct case and ribbon included.
I usually have a few on hand, but from time to time there may be a waiting period of a few weeks until the next shipment arrives.
- Each $295 US (ribbon & case included)
Other Oak Leaves & Swords Sets
Presented here are two fine examples of the Oak Leaves and Oak Leaves with Swords to the Knights Cross. Both are cast in pure silver and hand finished and aged to a high standard. The detail is crisp and sharp. These cases are made in the original German factory.
- Oak Leaves only each $75 US
- Oak Leaves including case and ribbon each $125 US
- Oak Leaves with Swords only each $95 US
- Oak Leaves with Swords including case and ribbon each $145 US