{"product_id":"original-german-postwar-early-1957-pattern-knights-cross-of-the-iron-cross-800-silver-marked-with-ribbon-case","title":"Original German Postwar Early 1957 Pattern Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross - “800” Silver Marked with Ribbon \u0026 Case","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent early postwar German 1957-pattern Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, accompanied by its black-white-red neck ribbon and fitted black presentation case. Examination shows that the cross is of one-piece construction rather than the conventional three-piece configuration. It is completely non-magnetic and bears an “\u003cstrong\u003e800\u003c\/strong\u003e” mark beneath the suspension eye. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the postwar, legally wearable form of the wartime Knight's Cross, produced following the 1957 West German regulations governing the wear of earlier German decorations. The most immediately recognizable change is the replacement of the wartime emblem with a traditional \u003cb\u003ethree-oak-leaf device\u003c\/b\u003e at the center of the obverse, while retaining the familiar overall form and the dates \u003cb\u003e1939\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003e1813\u003c\/b\u003e. Immediately beneath the upper suspension eye, the frame is clearly stamped: \u003cb\u003e800. \u003c\/b\u003eThis is a silver fineness mark indicating an 800\/1000 silver alloy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cross is accompanied by an approximately \u003cb\u003e16 ¾” (42.5 cm)\u003c\/b\u003e length of black-white-red neck ribbon. The ribbon shows fraying and loose threads at the ends. Comparable sets are known with ribbons of varying lengths, so it cannot be determined with certainty whether this example remains at its original supplied length or was shortened during its period of use. Also included is a fitted black leatherette case with a white satin-lined lid and recessed black velvet or flocked lower interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conditions are very good overall. The black core finish remains exceptionally well preserved, with only minor surface marks visible under close inspection. The silver frame and suspension components show attractive age toning and light handling wear. The ribbon remains bright but displays fraying and loose threads around the ends and tying area. The case shows scattered exterior scuffs, small white rub marks, and ordinary age-related wear, while the satin and black interior remain quite presentable. Please consult the photographs carefully for the exact condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eKnight's Cross of the Iron Cross\u003c\/b\u003e was introduced on 1 September 1939 as a new neck-worn grade within the renewed Iron Cross series. Larger than the First and Second Class crosses, it was suspended from a broad black-white-red ribbon and became one of the principal German military decorations of the Second World War. The German Historical Museum notes that the Knight's Cross was created as part of the 1939 renewal of the Iron Cross and could be awarded regardless of rank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the war, the Federal Republic of Germany faced the practical question of how veterans could legally wear decorations earned before May 1945. This was addressed by the \u003cb\u003eGesetz über Titel, Orden und Ehrenzeichen\u003c\/b\u003e, enacted on \u003cb\u003e26 July 1957\u003c\/b\u003e. Section 6 specifically covered previously awarded decorations from the Second World War and permitted their continued wear only in officially prescribed forms without the prohibited political emblems of the former regime. The law also provided that official patterns and manufacturing specifications were to be maintained by the Federal Ministry of the Interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportantly, the 1957 legislation did \u003cb\u003enot\u003c\/b\u003e create a new Knight's Cross or constitute a new award. It regulated the wearing of decorations that had already been earned before the end of the war. The law separately addressed proof of entitlement through original award documents, military service records, or authorized replacement documentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the Iron Cross family, the most conspicuous alteration was the removal of the wartime central emblem. On the authorized 1957 design it was replaced by a traditional group of \u003cb\u003ethree oak leaves\u003c\/b\u003e, while the \u003cb\u003e1939\u003c\/b\u003e date remained below. The reverse continued to display \u003cb\u003e1813\u003c\/b\u003e, linking the decoration visually to the original Prussian foundation of the Iron Cross.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45839175614533,"sku":"ONSV26MSB045","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/822AA177-7144-4B48-967B-4BF613039A95.jpg?v=1790187083","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-postwar-early-1957-pattern-knights-cross-of-the-iron-cross-800-silver-marked-with-ribbon-case","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}