Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.GTR.0101.107.02.001

Estimated market value:

$7500+ USD

  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Obverse
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Obverse
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Reverse
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Obverse
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Reverse
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Detail
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Detail
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Detail
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, by Steinhauer & Lück (Type A, micro 800) Detail

Estimated market value:

$7500+ USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Makers
    Unknown Maker
  • Composition
    Iron/Silver
  • Inscription
    Obv: 1939 Rev: 1813
  • Size
    48x48mm
  • Version Remarks
    30 grams

Physical Description and Item Details


Offered is an outstanding example of the Micro 800 version, by Steinhauer & Lück. Featuring a frosted silver frame that is marked with a micro “800” centrally on the edge of the upper arm, the cross exhibits the manufacturing characteristics and die flaws of a textbook Type-A Knight’s Cross. Known among collectors as the “Micro 800” version, this cross consists of die-flaws on the ribs of the cross that appear to be forming “little bridges” across the ribs. It also features a full loop suspension ring, along with a silver double-looped ring for ribbon suspension that is marked “800”. The numerals “1939” on the obverse, and “1813” on the reverse are identical to proven examples of the same period. Measures 48.25 mm x 48.01 mm, and weighs 30.1 grams inclusive of its suspension ring. It is accompanied by a full length original ribbon as well as the original cellophane packaging for the cross itself. Overall, this cross is a superb example and is rated mint.

Footnote: This cross is attributable to Karl Sattler, an SS-Obersturmbannführer who was awarded the Knight's Cross on January 16th 1945 for his actions in the area of Colmar in November of 1944. Part of his unit was surrounded by allied forces, and with personnel from the SS Unterführerschule in Radolfzell, he was able to free the surrounded part of his unit and form a concentrated front line.

This version of the S&L cross features an "800" stamp on the reverse under the ring for silver grade that is much smaller than that of the regular 800 version.

History


The Iron Cross was originally founded in 1813 and was considered Germany’s highest military decoration. The Iron Cross was conferred upon military personnel who rendered outstanding service and demonstrated unwavering bravery in the face of the enemy. In order to receive a higher grade, an individual had to first receive a lower grade.

On September 1st, 1939, Adolf Hitler renewed the Order of the Iron Cross and introduced a new grade, the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight’s Cross was conferred upon military personnel of all ranks and in all branches of the Armed Forces who demonstrated extraordinary bravery and courage in battle. Hitler created the Knight’s Cross to bridge the class divide between the I Class and Grand Cross, as throughout previous wars, the Imperial Grand Cross had strictly been conferred upon high-ranking Commanders and nobility.

In Imperial Germany, a common soldier could never hope to receive the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. However, in Nazi Germany, the Knight’s Cross was obtainable and could transform a lowly soldier into a national hero.

On June 3rd, 1940, a higher grade, the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, was introduced to distinguish individuals who had already won a Knight’s Cross, but continued to demonstrate merit and bravery in battle.

On September 28th, 1941, two higher grades, the Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves and Swords and the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, was also introduced.

On December 29, 1944, the final grade, the Knight’s Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, was introduced. The Award was to be conferred upon 12 separate individuals who had already been decorated with all other grades of the Order. However, only one award was ever made, to Oberst Hans-Ulrich Rudel on the date of institution.

The 1939 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross replaced the Pour le Mérite.

The Knight’s Cross was first produced in 1939 and the prototype was manufactured by Steinhauer & Lück of Lüdenscheid. Eventually, other manufacturing firms were contracted to produce the Knight’s Cross. Each firm was allocated a code number to indicate which decoration they had produced. Official award pieces were regulated by the Präsidialkanzlei, and pieces intended for private purchase were regulated by the LDO. LDO pieces were generally stamped with a maker’s code that had an “L” prefix, with or without a slash (ex: L or L/), while Präsidialkanzlei items were stamped with numbers without an “L” prefix.

In 1941, firms were no longer allowed to produce high-ranking awards for private purchases. In addition, existing stocks were given to the Präsidialkanzlei and pieces with “L/” numbers were added to the official award stocks. Therefore, an “L/” marked Knight’s Cross, which was originally intended for sale, became an official award.

The majority of Knight’s Crosses do not feature a maker’s mark, although they do appear on some examples. The maker’s mark would be stamped on the rim of the cross; spurious markings added in the post-war period often result in a distortion to the rim.

The Knight’s Cross is composed of a malleable sheet iron centrepiece and a silver frame. According to the official manufacturing guidelines, the two-part frame was die-struck from silver and features the hallmark “800” on the reverse below the suspension eye. There are examples which feature the hallmark of “900” or “935.” Like the I and II Class, it features a swastika in the center of the obverse and the date of institution “1939” on the lower arm. The reverse is plain and features the original foundation year of “1813.”

There are examples of the Knight’s Cross that do not meet the aforementioned criteria. These crosses are not hallmarked to indicate the silver content of frame, and the centers are composed of either blackened copper or brass. In addition, some example feature a centrepiece that is composed of non-ferrous metal, such as zinc.

There are numerous Knight’s Cross design variations. In addition, there are examples of the Knight’s Cross called “Field Conversions” or “Ersatz” Knight’s Crosses. An “Ersatz” Knight’s Cross was a lower grade medal that was converted into a makeshift Knight’s Cross. For example, a Knight’s Cross ribbon loop would be attached to a II Class Cross and the ribbon passed through the new loop.

For further information, especially on identifiers of certain makers, please refer to “The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross and its Higher Grades” by Dietrich Maerz.

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