(Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). Instituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). A rare and very well-preserved Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the latter demonstrating all ribbing flaws consistent with manufacture by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, 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 reverse twelve o’clock arm stamped with a silver content number of “800” in micro numerals in a classic Steinhauer & Lück pattern, also topped by an integral loop connecting to a period original suspension loop, accompanied by a shortened postwar replacement neck ribbon, the cross measuring 48.05 mm 9w) x 47.92 mm (h), the suspension loop measuring 19.8 mm (w) x 7.8 mm (h), with an overall weight of 30.3 grams, with small chips evident to the nine and twelve o’clock arms of the swastika, in near extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Accompanied by an assessment and guarantee of authenticity by Dietrich Maerz, dated 8 January 2021.