WW II general decorations

Base metal, on ribbon, without maker's mark, condition 2.

Non-ferrous metal, on ribbon, maker: "16" Alois Rettenmaier Schwäbisch-Gmünd, condition 2.

Non-ferrous metal, ring marked with manufacturer's code "101", on ribbon, Condition 2.

Fine zinc, on ribbon, with illegible marking in ring. Condition 2.

zinc alloy construction, with ribbon, maker marked “107” in ring, condition 2.

Tombac with “frosted” silver plating and polished edges, with needle pin disc, condition 2+.

Fine zinc silver-plated, marked “L/14” on reverse, condition 2.

Fine zinc, without maker's mark, on ribbon, with original award packet (Karl Hensler, Pforzheim). Condition 2.

Iron core, in presentation case with silver EK imprint, condition 2

Fine zinc construction, manufacturer marked “18” in ring, with ribbon. Accompanied by the recipient's ribbon bar. Condition 2.

Fine zinc, marked “L/13” on reverse, Condition 2.

Silver-plated zinc alloy, marked “L/21” under the hook and on the pin. Worn condition, Grade 2.

This decoration is not (!) the piece awarded to Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, but rather a contemporary piece for exhibitions. This cross was manufactured by Zimmermann, Pforzheim. Blackened iron core. The silver frame “frost” silver-plated with polished edges. Reverse stamped “800” silver below the suspension loop. Complete with the special neck ribbon in the wide version exclusively for the Grand Cross 55 mm, total length 45.5 cm. The cross is in absolutely perfect condition, mint - “in mint condition”. 
This piece was found by American soldiers in 1945 at Schloss Klessheim near Salzburg, where the Orders Chancellery had stored its inventory.

The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to Hermann Göring on July 19, 1940, during the historic Reichstag session commemorating the victory over France by Adolf Hitler. Göring remained the sole recipient of the Grand Cross throughout the entire course of World War II. In addition to the official production by C.E. Juncker, Berlin, several examples were manufactured for exhibition purposes, both by Juncker and by Zimmermann, Pforzheim.
A flawless contemporary original, we are proud to offer this exceptional piece to our clients.

Core magnetic.

Blackened iron, on ribbon, condition 2-

Base metal, condition 2.

Finely struck cross in silver, with polished edges. Manufactured by Deschler & Sohn, München. Stamped in the lower arm of the cross with maker's mark “900” silver, without manufacturer designation. Complete with long original ribbon as issued. Condition 2+.

The War Merit Cross was instituted by decree on October 18 by Führer and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler. The cross was initially awarded in 2 classes. On August 19, 1940, the War Merit Cross was expanded to include the Knight's Cross with and without Swords and the War Merit Medal. The Knight's Cross was awarded for outstanding merits with decisive impact on the conduct of war with Swords, and for outstanding merits in war tasks without Swords. Adolf Hitler personally reserved the authority to award it. Recommendations for award were made by the highest authorities and commanders-in-chief of the Wehrmacht branches. On July 8, 1944, the Golden Knight's Cross is said to have been instituted. The award numbers for the Knight's Cross are given as 52 awards without Swords and 174 awards with Swords, but vary depending on the author of the literature. Known manufacturers were Deschler & Sohn, München and C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim.

blackened iron core, polished edges, marked L/11 in ring, near mint condition

Core iron blackened, reverse side on pin with maker mark “L/11”. Condition 2.

Fine zinc, on ribbon, condition 2.

Fine zinc, on ribbon, condition 2.

Base metal, without maker's mark, with ribbon. Condition 2.

Base metal, without maker's mark, with ribbon. Condition 2.

Base metal, without maker mark, with ribbon. Condition 2.

Base metal, without maker's mark, with ribbon. Condition 2.

Non-ferrous metal, with ribbon and damaged award packet “Walter & Henlein Gablonz a.N.”

Gilt bronze, on round pin, complete in black case, the base with label “Hauptmünzamt Wien III.”

Silver-plated non-ferrous metal. Reverse marked with maker's code “L/53”. Light wear, Condition 2.

Blackened iron, reverse with maker's mark "6." on the pin. Worn condition, Grade 2.

Iron core.

Zinc alloy, with ribbon marked “110” in the ring, on ribbon, condition 2.

blackened iron core, the backing plate with manufacturer's marking “L/13”. Condition 2.

Gilt bronze, wide pin on reverse with manufacturer marking “30”. Clearly worn, condition 2-.

Core magnetic, pin marked.

Fine zinc construction, with ribbon, maker marked in ring "55". Condition 2-

blackened iron core, the back plate with manufacturer's marking “L/13”. Condition 2.

Blackened iron, reverse with maker's mark, on ribbon, condition 2+

Blackened iron, reverse with maker's mark, on ribbon, condition 2.

blackened iron core, marked “L/12” on the back plate, with concave iron washer and mounting screw. Lightly worn, Condition 2.

Fine zinc construction, attached to ribbon with 3 prongs, 1 prong missing.

Silver-plated non-ferrous metal. Highly convex, clearly worn, reverse with illegible owner's scratching. Condition 2-.

Fine zinc, in suspension ring with manufacturer's marking "13", with ribbon, condition 2.

Zinc, marked “65” on reverse, condition 2.

Gilt bronze, reverse with round pin and maker mark "30". Worn condition, Grade 2.

Non-ferrous metal, marked “L/12” on reverse. Worn condition, Condition 2

Manufactured by “Klein & Quenzer, Idar-Oberstein”. Blackened iron core, the silver frame stamped “800” silver on the reverse below the suspension loop, jump ring stamped “800 65”, on short neck ribbon section. Worn condition, light age patina on the iron core, Condition 2

Silver-plated non-ferrous metal, polished edges, marked “1” on the pin, in award case with silver KVK imprint, black spray felt insert and silk lining. Unworn, condition 2+.

blackened iron core.

Fine zinc, on ribbon, with illegible marking in ring. Condition 2.

rückseitig mit Hersteller "Ziemer & Söhne Oberstein/Nahe", Zustand 2.

Sheet steel, reverse marked “93”. Condition 2.

Gilt bronze, reverse without maker's mark, round pin. Clearly worn, condition 2.

Lacquered iron core, reverse marked L/59 S, condition 2-3

With manufacturer's designation, on ribbon with wearing pin. Condition 2.

Lacquered iron core, condition 2

Silver-plated base metal, polished edges. Condition 2+.

blackened iron core

Heavy version by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, reverse with 4 solid rivets, on curved pin with manufacturer's marking “1”. Weight 70 grams. The enamel in the swastika partially professionally repaired.

Iron core.

Manufactured by Meybauer Berlin, iron core.

Silver-plated tombac, affixed to ribbon with 4 prongs.

Silver-plated non-ferrous metal, superficially somewhat corroded.

With maker's mark, on ribbon. Condition 2.

approx. 36x26x2 cm, for Cross of Honor of the German Mother, Red Cross, Honor Cross for Frontline Combatants, etc., with storage wear

approx. 36x26x2 cm, for Kriegsmarine badges and Spanish Cross variants, with storage wear

Lacquered iron core, condition 2

Non-ferrous metal, with ribbon and original award packet “Berg & Nolte Lüdenscheid”, the adhesive from the award packet has come loose. Unworn, condition 2.

Fine zinc, manufactured by Boerger & Co. Berlin. Marked L/57 on reverse. Upper prongs missing.

Manufactured by Juncker Berlin, 2nd model with 5 rivets, reverse plate tombac silver-plated, the swastika with enamel damage, 59.95g.

With maker's mark, on ribbon. Condition 2.

Heavy manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, Munich. Heavy execution, 66.9 grams. Instead of the normal pin system, this piece had as a special order a large backing plate with 2 mounting screws; on the reverse of the German Cross, 2 threaded sleeves are attached at the top and bottom for fastening. Unfortunately, the backing plate with the screws is missing. Lightly worn, condition 2.
A very rare variant.

Blackened iron core, marked “L/56” on pin. Condition 2.

Silver-plated non-ferrous metal, without maker mark. Condition 2.

Non-ferrous metal, marked “L/11” on reverse, condition 2.

Base metal, version with closed loops, marked “L/13” on reverse.

Silver-plated base metal.

Manufactured by Deschler und Sohn in the heavy version, 67 grams. Reverse with 6 rivets. Worn piece, the enamel of the swastika slightly damaged.

Manufactured by Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid, silver-plated base metal.

Large presentation document for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded to Oberst Karl Specht, dated “Führerhauptquartier, 8 September 1941”. With original ink signature of the Führer and Reich Chancellor “Adolf Hitler”. The document handwritten in brown sepia ink on large double-sheet parchment. The document handwritten on large double-sheet parchment, the name of the recipient “Karl Specht” in raised gold. The Knight's Cross portfolio of red leather with gold-embossed national eagle. The inside covers with parchment mirrors and hand-gilded line borders. On the lower edge of the reverse with signature “Frieda Thiersch”. The presentation portfolio shows minimal signs of age, the corners only slightly bumped, the red retaining strap for the parchment sheet is detached at the top but completely intact. The document and portfolio in good condition, exterior with slight age and storage traces, corners slightly bumped. Condition 2. Additionally 3 different photo postcards, as Oberst and as Generalleutnant, one with original signature “Specht”.

Karl Wilhelm Specht, also Karl-Wilhelm Specht (born 22 May 1894 in Herdecke/Westfalen; died 3 December 1953 in prisoner of war camp 5110/48 Woikowo near Iwanowo, Soviet Union) was a German General der Infanterie. After attending the Kadettenkorps, Specht entered the Königs-Infanterie-Regiment (6. Lothringisches) Nr. 145 of the Preußische Armee as a Leutnant on 26 January 1914 with patent dated 22 June 1912, and participated in combat on the Western Front after the outbreak of World War I. At war's end he was Oberleutnant (since 18 August 1917) and Regimental Adjutant. For his service he had received both classes of the Iron Cross, the Knight's Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords, and the Wound Badge in Black. After 1938 transferred to the Reichswehr. There he initially served on the staff of the 10. (Sächsisches) Infanterie-Regiment (Dresden), was promoted to Hauptmann on 1 April 1925, and from 1927 was employed as commander of the 10th Company. Almost simultaneously with his promotion to Oberstleutnant on 1 October 1936, he took command of the I. Bataillon of Infanterieregiment 110. Promoted to Oberst shortly before the beginning of World War II on 1 June 1939, he commanded Infanterie-Regiment 55 from 1 November 1939 in the Western Campaign and at the beginning of the war against the Soviet Union. For the fighting in the Gomel area and around Tschernigow he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in September 1941, and for his achievements during the attack on Moscow in mid-January 1942 the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (62nd award). Promoted to Generalmajor on 1 August 1942, he became commander of the Infanterieschule Döberitz in mid-September 1942. One year later he was promoted to Generalleutnant on 1 August 1943 and relinquished command of the school to Generalleutnant Otto Hitzfeld on 19 November 1943. Specht entered the Führer Reserve to be appointed Inspector of the General Inspectorate for Military Education and Training (Berlin) on 1 December 1943. On 1 March 1944 he was appointed to establish the new central office as General Inspector for Officer Candidates. When the assassination attempt on Hitler failed on 20 July 1944, he declined participation in the uprising that evening. From August 1944 Specht was a member of the Court of Honor, which had the task of expelling army members from the Wehrmacht in order to circumvent a military tribunal. After Hitler's approval, with the expulsion the suspects could be transferred to the People's Court for sentencing. By mid-September 1944, nearly 85 suspects were thus “processed” by the Army's Court of Honor. Subsequently Specht again entered the Führer Reserve. On 1 December 1944 Specht was promoted to General der Infanterie. As such he was appointed Commanding General of the Deputy General Command of the XX. Armeekorps on the same day. Thereby he also became Commander of Wehrkreis XX with headquarters in Danzig. On 16 March 1945 he was appointed Commanding General of the newly established Korps Hela, which included several divisions of different formations. At war's end he fell into Soviet prisoner of war captivity in prisoner of war camp 5110/48 Woikowo, from whose effects he died in 1953. He was buried in a generals' cemetery in Tschernzy.

Iron core blackened, slightly convex, reverse with scratched owner's name “Ehlers”, condition 2.

blackened iron core

Core non-magnetic, pin marked “15”. Worn, condition 2.

blackened iron core, on ribbon.

Non-ferrous metal, marked L/56 on reverse, with 4 prongs, condition 2

Lacquered iron core, reverse side on screw disc with maker mark “L 58”. 

Lightweight version by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, reverse with 4 solid rivets, on curved pin with manufacturer’s marking “1”. Weight 55.1 grams. Worn condition, Condition Grade 2.

Non-ferrous metal, on ribbon, oxidized, condition 3.

Finely struck cross made of silver, with polished edges and swastika. Manufactured by Zimmermann company in Pforzheim. Stamped on the lower cross arm with maker's mark "900" silver and "20". Worn piece, complete with long fabricated neck ribbon. Unworn, with very beautiful patina. Complete in matching blue presentation case. Condition 2+.

The War Merit Cross was instituted by decree on October 18, 1939 by Führer and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler. The cross was initially awarded in 2 classes. On August 19, 1940, the War Merit Cross was expanded to include the Knight's Cross with and without Swords and the War Merit Medal.
The Knight's Cross was awarded with Swords for outstanding services with decisive impact on the conduct of war, and without Swords for outstanding services in war-related tasks. Adolf Hitler personally reserved the authority to award it. Award recommendations were made by the highest authorities and commanders-in-chief of the Wehrmacht branches. The number of Knight's Cross awards is stated as 52 awards without Swords and 174 awards with Swords, but varies depending on the author of the literature. Known manufacturers were Deschler & Sohn, München and C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim.
The Knight's Crosses made by Zimmermann company are considerably rarer than those by Deschler company.

Lacquered iron core, reverse side of screw disc marked with maker’s mark “L 58”.

With maker’s mark, on 25mm wide ribbon. Condition 2-.

With maker's mark, on 25mm wide ribbon. Condition 2.

Iron core, pin back, in matching black presentation case with EK imprint, interior with silk lining and spray felt insert.
Such crosses in this case were found in outer cardboard boxes with imprint “Juwelier Robert Koch Frankfurt a/Main”.

Lightweight version by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, pin and catch repaired on reverse. Worn condition, Grade 2.

Core non-magnetic. Lightly worn, condition 2.

Finely struck cross in silver, with polished edges and swastika. Manufactured by Deschler & Sohn, München. The lower arm of the cross is stamped with the maker's mark “900” silver and “1”. The cross exhibits a very attractive dark patina, suspended from a long prepared neck ribbon, housed in the appropriate blue presentation case with white silk lining and black velvet insert fitted for the cross. Condition 2.

The War Merit Cross was instituted by decree on October 18, 1939 by Führer and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler. The cross was initially awarded in 2 classes. On August 19, 1940, the War Merit Cross was expanded to include the Knight's Cross with and without Swords and the War Merit Medal.
The Knight's Cross was awarded with Swords for outstanding merit with decisive impact on the conduct of war, and without Swords for outstanding merit in war-related tasks. Adolf Hitler personally reserved the authority to award this decoration. Recommendations for award were made by the highest authorities and commanders-in-chief of the Wehrmacht branches. The number of awards for the Knight's Cross is stated as 52 awards without Swords and 174 awards with Swords, though figures vary depending on the literature source. Known manufacturers were Deschler & Sohn, München and C.F.Zimmermann, Pforzheim.

Reverse marked with manufacturer “Deschler & Sohn München 9”, with ribbon and wrapping paper, Condition 2.

Manufactured by Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid, silver-plated base metal.

Zinc alloy, on ribbon, with manufacturer's marking in ring “19”. Condition 2.

Lacquered iron core, without maker mark. Unworn, with very nice light patina, condition 2+.

Non-ferrous metal construction, reverse with barrel hinge and pin assembly. Lightly worn, Condition 2. 

Large award document for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded to Major Hans Christern, dated “Führerhauptquartier, 31 January 1941”. With original ink signature of the Führer and Reich Chancellor “Adolf Hitler”. The document on large double-leaf parchment handwritten in the early version in black ink (later a brown “sepia” ink was used). The document on large double-leaf parchment handwritten, the name of the recipient “Hans Christern” rendered in raised gold. The Knight's Cross presentation case of red leather with gold-embossed national eagle. The interior covers with parchment mirrors and hand-gilded line borders. On the reverse lower edge with signature “Frieda Thiersch”. The presentation case shows minimal signs of age, the corners only slightly bumped, the red retaining strap for the parchment sheet is detached at the top but completely intact. The document and case in good condition, exterior with slight age and storage traces, corners slightly bumped. Condition 2.

Hans Christern (born 24 January 1900 in Lauenburg/Elbe; died 17 June 1966 in Georgenhof near Oldenburg in Holstein) was a German officer, ultimately Oberst in World War II and last commander of the 7. Panzer-Division. Hans Christern grew up in Lübeck. In 1917 he became Fahnenjunker in the Kaiser Franz Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 2, in 1918 promoted to Leutnant. He was decorated with the Iron Cross II. Class and the Lübeck Hanseatic Cross. Shortly before the end of World War I he was severely wounded. The consequences of the wound led to his medical discharge from the Reichswehr in 1921. He became a farmer at Georgenhof, a former manor farm of the Putlos estate near Oldenburg in Holstein (today part of the Putlos military training area). On recommendation of Heinrich Eberbach he was reactivated in 1936 and came as Hauptmann initially to Panzer-Abwehr-Abteilung 12. On 31 January 1941 he was decorated as Major and battalion commander II./Panzer-Regiment 35 for the capture of the fortress Maubeuge on 17.5.1940 during the advance in France with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. In 1943 he was promoted to Oberst. From May 1944 he was regimental commander of Panzer-Regiment 35. On 26 March 1945 Oberst Christern assumed command of the 7. Panzer-Division after Generalleutnant Karl Mauss was incapacitated due to severe injury. To avoid Soviet captivity, the 7. Panzer-Division under his command surrendered to the British Army in Schwerin on 8 May 1945. After the war he was again active as a farmer at Georgenhof. He became involved in the CDU, for which he unsuccessfully ran as a constituency candidate in the 1949 federal election.

Fine zinc silver-plated, marked “3” on reverse. Pin missing!

2nd pattern, silver-plated base metal, polished edges, in black case with silver imprint of the clasp. Unworn, the clasp in mint condition, case condition 2.

Fine zinc construction, on ribbon, marking in ring "127". Condition 2.

Blackened non-ferrous metal.

Lacquered iron core, marked L/18 on reverse. 

Iron core.

Blackened iron, reverse with maker's mark, on short ribbon. Condition 2.

Blackened iron, reverse with maker's mark FB, on ribbon, condition 2-.

by Paul Meybauer Berlin. Fine zinc. Marked L/13 on reverse. 

Base metal, on ribbon, unmarked, condition 2-.

With maker's mark, on short ribbon. Condition 2-.

one-piece construction, non-magnetic, slightly convex. Reverse with thin magnetic needle mounted horizontally! Clearly worn, condition 3.

Core Type 1 non-magnetic.

blackened non-magnetic core, reverse side on the lower cross arm with maker mark “L/12”.

Iron core, without maker's mark

Silver-plated non-ferrous metal with polished edges, marked “L/11” on reverse, in matching presentation case with KVK imprint on lid. Condition 2+.

Non-ferrous metal with “frosted” silver plating and polished edges, reverse with 4 prongs, on original ribbon section. Virtually unworn, in mint condition.

Silver-plated base metal, silver-plated with polished edges, maker mark “4” on pin. Complete in late LDO presentation case. Condition 2.

Gilt bronze, wide pin, reverse marked “30” for manufacturer, with engraved owner's initials “A B”. Complete in presentation case, underside with remnant of label “Hauptmünzamt Wien...”. Worn condition, Grade 2-.

Blackened iron core, marked 98 in the ring, blue paper packet marked Rudolf Souval Wien 62, with ribbon bar.

Construction with copper-plated iron core.

lacquered iron core, the frame silver-plated with polished edges, marked 13 in the ring, with long ribbon and the blue paper packet “Gustav Brehmer Markneukirchen i.Sa.”. The cross unworn, the packet condition 3.

Fine zinc, reverse without maker's mark. Condition 2-

Silver-plated tombac, with starburst screwplate, condition 2