Germany, Wehrmacht. A Rare & Early Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, by Otto Schickle, Certified by Dietrich Maerz

(Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and nickel 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 a flattened integral loop connecting to a silvered brass double suspension ring, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of an uncommon early decoration produced by the firm of Otto Schickle, Pforzheim, measuring 49.4 mm (w) x 56.4 mm (h) (inclusive of integral ring), weighing 23.6 grams (inclusive of ring), the obverse of the core demonstrates minor oxidation, an early Schickle piece issued c. mid-1940 to early 1941, in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Accompanied by a detailed certificate of authenticity issued by Dietrich Maerz, dated 19 February 2022.