Germany, Federal Republic. A Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, by Souval, c. 1950

(Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern, und Etui). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue; c. 1950 reissue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron 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 topped by an integral loop, the former retaining a clasp featuring three overlaid oak leaves above crossed swords, the reverse with malleable attachment prongs retaining a full-length neck ribbon with snap button closure, the reverse of the clasp maker marked with LDO code “L/58” for Rudolf Souval, Vienna, the cross measuring 49.05 mm (w) x 54.92 mm (h), the clasp measuring 25.68 mm (w) x 27.56 mm (h), weighing 27.7 grams, an early postwar veteran’s piece by a noted wartime manufacturer in near extremely fine condition.