Description
Product Description: This set of postwar Oak Leaves Swords and Diamonds to the Knights Cross was produced by Otto Klein, the same firm who made the A-Type (Platinum and Diamonds) and the B-Type (Silver and diamonds) versions of this award during the war. It is an impressive display object, extremely high quality, and made of multiple piece construction just like the originals. The obverse shows great shine and intricate detail to the silver, with eye catching, jeweler set cubic zirconia stones on the oak leaves and the hilts of the crossed swords. The silver oak leaves are made with the correct side lights for allowing light to the stones. The parts of the oak leaves are riveted together on the reverse with correct hollow threaded rivets. These postwar Oak Leaves Swords and Diamonds are nicely marked behind the swords with a “935” silver content mark and the “circle K” mark of the firm of Otto Klein. Every aspect of this gorgeous award is professionally jeweler made and absolutely beautiful. This is the best thing one can ever get to an original wartime set without shelling out the money that a wartime made piece would command. It has great eye appeal, and is in outstanding, near mint plus condition.
Historical Description: The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross was instituted on September 1, 1939, and was awarded for skilled leadership, distinguished conduct, or individual acts of bravery in combat. At the time, it remained the highest award for bravery that the German soldier could earn. With the continuation of the war, on June 3, 1940, the Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross were introduced to further recognize extremely distinguished achievements by soldiers who had already been awarded the Knights Cross. The Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross were finely struck in silver, and affixed to a suspension loop from which the Knights Cross would be suspended when worn. On September 28, 1941, two additional grades of the Knights Cross were introduced. The Oak Leaves and Swords to the Knights Cross was almost identical to the Oak Leaves, but now featured two crossed swords beneath the leaf cluster. The second instituted award of September 28, 1941, was the Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds. The new highest award was jeweler made from multiple pieces of silver, gold, or platinum and real or fake diamonds. Recipients were given one set with rhinestones and a second set with real diamonds. On December 29, 1944, with the war reaching its climax and acts of bravery and achievements becoming greater, a final grade was introduced, the Knights Cross with Gold Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Originally intended for the 12 most distinguished service members in the German military, made of real gold and diamonds, only one set was awarded before the end of the war to Oberst Hans Ulrich Rudel.
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