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Extremely rare 1939 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in its case of issue. The cross was manufactured by Juncker, Berlin. It is the last type Juncker had manufactured and known as "lazy 2" type amongst collectors.
Textbook Juncker made Knight's Cross with an "800" silver stamp to the upper cross arm and the ring. Furthermore, a "lazy 2" maker's mark was stamped to the reverse of the upper cross arm.
Numbers and swastika are of typical Juncker design. The frame shows the typical "Lattenzaun" details where it meets the swastika. In addition, this cross comes with the typical "rough" black factory paint known for Juncker made crosses.
An overall rare textbook example with nice patina. Good condition 2.
Original ribbon. 27cm long. Patina.
Case of issue in good condition 2. Opening and closing correctly. Silk lining. Black velvet inlay. Signs of use and age to the outside.
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.
.jpg "Major Heinrich Höfer - restored (!) Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross \"65\"")
.jpg "Schmückle, Willi - Knight's Cross winner grouping")
