Description
You are bidding on a SUPERB and 100% ORIGINAL German “Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger” Commemorative Presentation Plate, featuring the 1957 pattern Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross! Produced for the veterans’ association representing surviving recipients of WW2 Germany’s highest wartime decorations, this attractive plate bears the organization’s name together with the inscription identifying its presidium and was intended as a commemorative, presentation, and association piece!
The Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger developed from postwar organizations formed by surviving WW2 recipients of the Knight’s Cross and other high German military decorations. A reorganized association was established in the mid-1950s under former Generaloberst Alfred Keller, and in 1960 it adopted the name Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger e.V. The central decoration shown on pieces associated with the organization is the postwar 1957 version of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, authorized in West Germany without the National Socialist emblem that appeared on the wartime award. The organization became one of the principal veterans’ associations for surviving Knight’s Cross recipients and produced a variety of commemorative and presentation items for its members, officers, meetings, and association functions during the postwar decade.
Made of white glazed porcelain or ceramic with black, red and silver decoration, this example is in MINT condition. The center features a finely rendered 1957-pattern Knight’s Cross suspended from the traditional black, white and red ribbon, while the surrounding Gothic-style inscription reads “Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger” with “Das Präsidium” beneath the central decoration and “des Eisernen Kreuzes” around the lower portion, identifying the Presidium of the Association of Knight’s Cross Recipients of the Iron Cross. The plate retains a clean white surface with crisp lettering and strong original decoration throughout, with no visible chips, cracks, repairs, staining, or significant wear. There is no known recipient history or accompanying documentation, and the specific individual to whom the plate may originally have been presented is unfortunately unknown. An unusual and highly attractive original veterans’ association commemorative piece connected directly with the postwar organization of surviving Knight’s Cross recipients, PERFECT for any German military award, Ritterkreuz, veterans’ association, or postwar militaria collection or display!
