Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 216:
Description
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 mit Eichenlaub, the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, one of the most prestigious military decorations awarded by Germany during the Second World War. The centerpiece is a full-size 1939 Knight’s Cross, constructed with a blackened iron core within a silver frame and bearing the silver fineness mark "800." The obverse displays the raised swastika at center and "1939" to the lower arm, surrounded by the characteristic beaded inner border and polished silver outer frame. The cross retains attractive age toning and light handling wear while preserving strong definition throughout. Suspended above the cross is the exceptionally desirable Oak Leaves device, Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz, finely executed in silver as a naturalistic cluster of overlapping oak leaves. The reverse is clearly stamped "900" for .900 silver and "21," the recognized Praesidialkanzlei maker code of Gebrueder Godet & Co., Berlin. Godet was the principal official producer of the wartime Oak Leaves, and original examples with the 21 / 900 marking are extensively documented in advanced collections and reference literature. The set includes the correct black-white-red neck ribbon, together with a matching small ribbon section, and is housed in a fitted black presentation case with dark velvet interior. The ribbon exhibits period stitching and wear consistent with use, while the silver components show an attractive natural patina. Instituted on 3 June 1940, the Oak Leaves represented the next level above the Knight’s Cross and were reserved for recipients whose subsequent battlefield achievements warranted further recognition. Only a relatively small number were awarded, with specialist references documenting approximately 863 confirmed recipients, making original wartime Oak Leaves among the most sought-after decorations of the period. A particularly desirable Knight’s Cross with original Godet 21/900 Oak Leaves, complete with neck ribbon and fitted case. The clearly marked Godet Oak Leaves, 800-marked Knight’s Cross frame, and overall presentation make this an exceptional centerpiece for an advanced collection of WWII German orders and decorations.
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