Description
You are bidding on an EXCELLENT example of a WW2 German Wehrmacht Knights Cross to the Iron Cross! This SPECIFIC example is made by Zimmerman.
On September 1,1939 Hitler reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First, Second and Grand Cross Classes; and established the new Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. Hitler reserved the right to personally authorize bestowal of the Knight’s Cross and all ranks were eligible for the award. Originally the criteria for bestowal of the Knight’s Cross was outstanding personal bravery or decisive leadership in combat but this was later expanded to include personnel who had continually demonstrated exceptional acts of courage or an extremely high success rate on the battlefield. The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross was the most coveted award of the Third Reich period and those presented with it were elevated to the status of a national hero. In total it is estimated that roughly 7,360 Knight’s Crosses were awarded during WW2. Due to the prestige of the award personnel who could afford it would opt to buy a jeweler’s copy for everyday wear with the actual award being put away for safe keeping.
Originally purchased from Detlev Niemann in 2008, this Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross is Made of a die struck 3-piece iron and silver construction. Note that this has been restored from the original “as found” condition. Please see last images for reference. It is in EXCELLENT condition, however, there are some slight marks, wear, and tarnishing due to the age. The front features an embossed cross/swastika, along with the date, “1939” at the bottom. The back side recognizes the original institution date of, “1813”. It is marked, “800” (indicating the silver content), with a prominent “26”, indicating the manufacture as C. F. Zimmermann. The suspension ring and ribbon are also original, but were added to make it complete. It is marked “800” and “65”, indicating the manufacture as Klein & Quenzer. Comes with the original sales receipt from 2008, as well as one of Niemann’s Catalogues. A BEAUTIFUL restored example, it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display!
