Germany, Federal Republic. An Early Postwar Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Case, by Steinhauer & Lück, c. 1950

(Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Etui). Constructed of silver and zink, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened zink alloy core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop connecting to a silvered bronze Oak Leaves, the former constructed of silvered bronze and consisting of three overlapping oak leaves with a reverse loop, connecting to a period original full-length of neck ribbon, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, the cross measuring 48.26 mm (w) x 54.26 mm (h), the clasp measuring 20.14 mm (w) x 19.32 mm (h), weighing 31.5 grams, with minor flaking of core paint evident, in near extremely fine condition, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a depressed black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 76 mm (w) x 145 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), with minor material fatigue evident, in near extremely fine condition.