1939 Clasp to the 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class - Cased Sold
Second standard pattern, early war high quality silver-plated award. No maker mark, but has typical features of the type
made by B.H. Mayer of Pforzheim (see pages 183 & 185 of Gordon Williamson's book "The Iron Cross of 1939"). Very crisp
detail with 100% of original frosting and burnished highlights retained. Narrow barrel hinge, flat pin and retaining
clasp perfect in all respects. Original, square-cornered award case with simulated pebbled-leather paper covering has a
silver stencil of the award on outer lid. The round push-button catch release is rusted, as is the rear hinge, but both
are completely intact and functioning. The interior upper portion of the lid is lined with white silk. The lower interior portion is
black velvet fitted to hold the clasp. There is a small rust stain to the white silky material at the interior rear of
the case near the hinge and also to the white cardboard liner near the push-button release catch. Otherwise, the
"Spange" is mint and the case near mint in condition and would be difficult to upgrade. On consignment.
German Cross in Gold Sold
Four hollow rivet type produced by Otto Klein of Hanau, maker marked "134" on reverse center of badge. Heavy badge
having a perfect enamel swastika and retaining all of the original finish, with only slight wear to the top of the
furthest points of a few of the raised central ray portions of the blackened inner star. Any imperfections showing on the enamel
are caused by the scanner's light reflection. See pages 204-5 of Gordon Williamson's book "The Iron Cross of 1939". Superb
specimen. On consignment.
Cased Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Sold
Vet acquired mint unissued cased Knight's Cross by Steinhauer & Lück. Cross is unmarked.
Ribbon loop is marked "800". Iron centre is magnetic. Paint is 99% with just a few very
tiny spots of missing paint. Much lacquer remains on the silver frame. Comes with the
original case and a 13.5" piece of unissued ribbon. Case is undamaged being pristine on
the inside with minor scuffing on the outside. These pictures were sent to reknown author
and expert on Knight's Crosses, Gordon Williamson, who identified it as a genuine war time
Steinhauer & Lück. The eye for the ribbon loop is not fully voided which is not uncommon
on war time pieces according to Gordon. Gordon is the reknown author of "The Iron Cross"
and "Knight's of the Iron Cross" among others. This Knight's Cross was recently vet
acquired by a friend of mine at a local militaria show. His table was next to mine and I
witnessed the entire transaction. Mint, mint, mint. On consignment.
German Cross in Gold with Document Sold
Mint German Cross in Gold with formal document to Major Albert Salm who was Commander of
the III Batallion, 352 Infantry Division who won the award posthumously. The Cross is in
mint condition never having been worn and is the unmarked 6 rivet version. The document is
the formal one and is ink signed by Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel. They come with a
photocopy of a "history" of this Major from 1939 until his death in July 1942 near
Smolensk that was compiled by his son from his father's letters to his mother as well as
his mother's diaries. It includes the action that won him the German Cross as well as
letters from the authorities notifiying his mother of the death and photocopies of his
death notices. It also includes a letter to his mother stating that his father had been
posthumously promoted to Lt. Colonel. It is in German. There is also an award document to
him for the Russian Front medal as well as the medal itself. The "history" that comes with
it truly contains a lot of information about Salm and his career in the Army as well as
his persoanl life up to his death at Smolensk in 1942. The cross itself is absolutely mint
as it should be since it was awarded posthumously and was never worn. On consignment.
Close Combat Clasp in Gold Sold
Instituted in 1942 for officers and men of the Army and Waffen-SS who were engaged in
hand-to-hand combat when unsupported by armour. Die struck alloy with a gold finish with
approximately 50% of finish remaining with wear to base metal at high points. Reverse has
embossed designer's name "FEC. W. E. Peekhaus Berlin" and makers initials "F L L" in three
circles. Back plate is present but loose. The Close Combat Clasp in Gold was awarded for 40
days of hand-to-hand combat and was regarded by Hitler as the highest infantry decoration short
of the Knight's Cross. On consignment.
Combined 1914 EK1 and 1939 EK1 Spange Sold
Private purchase item. Clamshell screw back. Not maker marked. This is not a one piece
item but consists of a separate WW1 EK1 and WW2 Spange that were expertly assembled by a
jeweler. Heavily tarnished. On consignment.