Original German WWII Knight's Cross Recipient Postcard Photograph Grouping with Album - 34 Photographs
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Original Items: One of a Kind Set. The German WWII 'Knights Cross' is one of the most iconic awards, seen in many pictures and movies around the necks of recipients. Most well-decorated command officers were not really considered notable until they had been received one for a successful campaign during WWII. These men also had great propaganda value, and many picture post cards of Knight's Cross recipients were made, which then were collected, which also served as a fundraiser for the armed forces.
This is a fantastic grouping of 33 these postcards, which measure approximately 3 5/8" x 5 1/2", and have the name of the recipient at the bottom for easy identification. 24 of these are contained in a photo album measuring 7 5/8" x 9 7/8", while 9 are loose in plastic sleeves. Additionally, there is a SIGNED 4" x 6" photograph of Knight's Cross recipient SS-Sturmbannführer Hans Hauser included with the set, which has a short history of his service written on the back.
All of the items are in very good condition, showing some age toning, but no major damage. The post cards in the album look to be glued in place, so they cannot be removed easily.
A great set of period German WWII Collectible photographs, ready to research and display!
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes), or simply the Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz), and its variants were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of NSDAP Germany during World War II.
The Knight's Cross was awarded for a wide range of reasons and across all ranks, from a senior commander for skilled leadership of his troops in battle to a low-ranking soldier for a single act of military valor. Presentations were made to members of the three military branches of the Wehrmacht: the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine (navy) and the Luftwaffe (air force), as well as the Waffen-SS, the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD—Reich Labor Service) and the Volkssturm (German national militia), along with personnel from other Axis powers.
The award was instituted on 1 September 1939, at the onset of the German invasion of Poland. A higher grade, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross, was instituted in 1940. In 1941, two higher grades of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves were instituted: the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords and the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. At the end of 1944 the final grade, the Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, was created. Over 7,000 awards were made during the course of the war.
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
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- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
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