Description
Product Description: We are very pleased to be able to offer this rare cased set of Godet Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross. This Cased Godet Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross is in overall excellent to near mint condition. The Godet Oak Leaves are made of “900” silver and have developed a very nice patina which I call a “dark-glow”, in which the outer edges have more patina than the center, giving the impression of a reversed glow. This type of patina is usually seen on pieces which have been preserved over the decades in their cases and never cleaned or touched in anyway. This example is a second pattern set of Godet Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross, which is easily identified by not only the later “21” PKZ code, but also by the flaws seen on the edges of the Oak Leaves themselves. The reverse of the Oak Leaves retains the double ribbon loop, which is soldered directly to the reverse. The reverse is marked with both the PKZ code for Godet, “21”, as well as the silver content “900”. The case remains in untouched and well preserved condition. This is the correct case associated with cased Godet Oak Leaves. Hinge and release button function flawlessly. The interior lid is lined with a white artificial silk rayon, and the insert with a black velvet plush. These high awards of the Third Reich were truly pieces of jewelry produced by highly skilled workers at the time. This is an excellent opportunity to own a very rare and complete set of Godet Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross!!
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 that time, it was the highest award for bravery that a German soldier could earn. On June 3, 1940, the Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross were introduced as a way to further recognize extremely distinguished achievements by soldiers who had already been awarded the Knight’s Cross. The Knights Cross with Oak Leaves award was in the form of a finely struck cluster of oak leaves, made of silver, and affixed to a suspension loop from which the Knights Cross would be suspended when worn. On September 28, 1941, two further grades of the Knight’s Cross were introduced. The Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords was nearly identical to the Oak Leaves, but featured two crossed swords beneath the leaf cluster. The new highest grade, the Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds, was intricately made, and recipients were given one set with rhinestones and a second set with real diamonds. On December 29, 1944, with the war coming to an end, a highest and 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.
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