20th Contemporary History Auction

Bidding on 1037 lots has ended on 3rd December 2017. 90% of all lots sold

0004 |

SS-Ogruf.v.d.Bach-Zelewski - 1939 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

SS-Ogruf.v.d.Bach-Zelewski - 1939 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

LOT 27-0004
SOLD
Auction ended        2nd December 2017  |  02:03 pm CET
RESULT
10.250,00
EXCL. BUYER’S PREMIUM: 17,5 %

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DESCRIPTion, DETaILS & Photos
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PERIOD
COUNTRY Deutschland
MATERIAL
DIMENSIONS
MAKER
WEIGHT
LOT 27-0004
EAN 2000000225110
LOT 27-0004
PERIOD
COUNTRY Deutschland
EAN 2000000225110
MATERIAL
DIMENSIONS
MAKER
WEIGHT
PERIOD
COUNTRY Deutschland
LOT 27-0004
MATERIAL
DIMENSIONS
EAN 2000000225110
MAKER
WEIGHT


Description
Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski (1899 - 1972) was a high-ranking Waffen-SS commander in the rank of a SS-Obergruppenführer. He is infamous for leading the brutal suppression of the Warsaw Uprising During in 1944. Von dem Bach-Zelewski Despite was also in charge of the anti partisan campaigns (Bandenbekämpfung) during WWII. His responsibility for numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity, Bach-Zelewski did not stand trial in Nuremberg, and instead was used as a witness for the prosecution. He was later convicted for politically motivated murders after the war and died in prison in 1972. All items to von dem Bach-Zelewski listed in this auction came straight from his daughter about one year ago. It was now consigned for auction by the collector who purchased his grouping from his daughter. All items are available for the first time on the market.
 
Two original photographs taken by "SS-Kriegsberichter A. Ahrens". One shows v.d. Bach-Zelewski being awarded the Knight's Cross on 30.9.1944 by General Emilio Freiherr von Lüttwitz for his achievements striking down the "Warsaw Uprising". The second photos shows v.d. Bach-Zelewski wearing his Knight's Cross. On his table is SS-Gruppenführer Heinz Reinefarth who was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross in the same day. Both photos are 24cm x 18cm.
 
Personal 1939 Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross made by Klein & Quenzer. "65" and "800" stamped to the ring. "800" marked to the upper cross arm. The cross comes in nearly unworn condition with original black color to the center. According to the daughter. a metal piece was stitched above the swastika after the war. It was removed some time ago however it left marks and removed parts of the original color.
 
A 48,5cm long original ribbon in unworn condition. Furthermore, a well worn 1957's ribbon.
 
 

Condition
See description
Historical information

NAME

Knights Cross of the Order of the Iron Cross

DATE OF INSTITUTION

1. September 1939 as the third and new grade of the re-instituted Order of the Iron Cross

AWARD CRITERIA

The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded for exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy and for outstanding merit in troop leadership. The awarding required the previous awarding of the two lower grades. The Knights Cross was solely awarded by the Führer upon the proposal of the soldiers unit and issued by the Heerespersonalamt. The Knights Crosses were stored at the Ordenskanzlei in Berlin, to be sent to the awardee after approval. There were no Knights Crosses stored at any level of the Wehrmacht before the end of April 1945.

MANUFACTURERS

The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross was produced by seven manufacturers, not including variations amongst the individual companies. The Knights Crosses can be found either unmarked (early Juncker and 3/4 Ring), with a silver content mark, with an LDO number (L/12 and L/52), and later on with the company’s Präsidialkanzlei number (2, 20, 65, and 4). Private sales were forbidden after October 1941.

AWARD NUMBERS

Accurate numbers are not known but the closest estimation is around 7,200, and most likely another couple of hundred on stock at the Präsidialkanzlei.

AWARD DOCUMENTS

The awardee received a preliminary document in A5 format and issued in the name of the Führer by the responsible personnel offices of the three branches of the Wehrmacht. The formal document (Große Mappe) was issued later and only until date of late 1942 / early 1943 due to the huge backlog.

WEARING METHOD

The Knights Cross was worn around the neck on a wider red white and black ribbon which came within the black award case of the Knights Cross.

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