Lot 8879

Description

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, three-part design, blackened iron core in a silver frame. The back stamped with the mark of fineness "800" and the manufacturer's mark "L/12" for C. E. Juncker Berlin. The suspension ring also made of silver, with the mark of fineness "800". Dimensions of the Knight's Cross 48.44 x 48.37 mm, weight including suspension ring 32.70 g. The Knight's Cross is virtually unworn. Two contemporary presentation cases for the Knight's Cross and two medal ribbons, length 72 cm and 35 cm. Both cases open and close perfectly. Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 in the presentation case, Iron Cross 2nd Class on the ribbon (non-magnetic core), DRL Sports Badge in bronze with certificate booklet, award document for the Iron Cross 1st Class 1939, issued on 30 September 1939, original signature of Generalleutnant Rudolf Schmidt (1st Pz. Division). Bearer's promotions to Leutnant, Oberleutnant and Hauptmann, hand-signed by Reichswehrminister Wilhelm Groener and/orWerner von Blomberg (2x). Painting with Knight's Cross on canvas, with the artist's signature "Albrecht Biedermann 1942", the "2" difficult to decipher, appears to be a "0", framed. Dimensions 66 x 78.5 cm. A cased tailcoat chain with twelve imperial awards, the label at the top reads "Godet & Sohn". The tailcoat chain belonged to the bearer's father, a WW I officer. Tailcoat chain with seven awards, 1957 issue, including a German Cross in Gold, a Close Combat Clasp in Bronze, the Panzer Badge in Bronze, etc. Moreover, three miniatures, two Knight's Crosses with Oak Leaves and one miniature of the German Cross in Gold, 1957 issues. Twelve contemporary photographs, in six of which he is wearing the Knight's Cross and in some the "Großdeutschland" cuff title. The estate also includes two reproduction photos, contemporary newspaper reports on the bearer, four copies, such as the award of the Knight's Cross on 31 December 1941, an engraved medal dated 1934 from the 10th Prussian Cavalry Regiment, two further insignia awarded to his father, an identity card dated 1923, two modern books on the "Großdeutschland" (the bearer illustrated in both books) and his curriculum vitae from 1976. He was awarded the Knight's Cross on 31 December 1941 and the Oak Leaves on 28 March 1945. He also served as commander of the Panzer Brigade "Kurland" and the Motorcycle Battalion "Grossdeutschland". His last military rank within the Wehrmacht was Generalmajor. The estate was consigned directly from the family and has never been part of a collection. Although the Knight's Cross in this lot certainly originates from the bearer's estate, it is not the order actually awarded to him. His name will only be disclosed to the buyer or during the pre-sale viewing.

Condition: I - II Questions about the lot?