Germany, Federal Republic. A Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross Presentation Set, Exhibition Example with Case, c. 1965

(Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, Museumsstück im großen roten Präsentationsetui). A fine-quality Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross presentation set, emulating the legendary three-piece assemblies for recipients who received the all three grades simultaneously and produced c. 1965, consisting of mis-matched exhibition example awards, including:

1. A 1939 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, 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”, unmarked, measuring 46.77 mm (w) x 50.14 mm (h), weighing 25.2 grams (inclusive of ribbon), an Übergröße exhibition example in extremely fine condition.

2. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, 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 with a raised barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 44.57 mm (w) x 44.64 mm (h), weighing 17.5 grams, in extremely fine condition.

3. A Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, 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 a dipping ring, stamped with an LDO code of “L/12” for C.E. Juncker, Berlin, measuring 48.71 mm (w) x 54.84 mm (h), weighing 21.7 grams, in extremely fine condition.

4. A Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds Clasp, constructed of gilded silver with cut glass gems, the obverse consisting of three overlaid oak leaves inset with 46 gems, situated above a pair of crossed swords, with 10 gems embedded into the hilts, the reverse with a loop and ring accommodating a period original ribbon and cross connection, respectively, stamped with a silver content number of “800”, measuring 29.86 mm (w) x 34.62 mm (h), weighing 10.4 grams, in extremely fine condition.

All secreted within a matching presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted and fitted black velvet medal bed, including a strap featuring an extra length of ribbon, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 18.5 cm (w) x 19.5 cm (l) x 2.5 cm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue, in extremely fine condition.