UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Medals & Badges of the Third Reich Forum Knights Crosses - Need Help

Here are two Knights Crosses I have owned for years. I never bothered to research them until now, as I liquidate my collection. From the research I have done, it appears they are likely earlier reproductions, due to the "low swastikas" on them. But, I have noticed they bear a resemblance to those made by Zimmermann. From the few photos I could find of examples by that maker, it appears they, perhaps. have a "low swastika." But, it's hard to tell from photos. So, I am seeking expert opinions here on these, in order to know how to dispose of them honestly.

The first one depicted has no stampings and looks to be blued (as in gun blue), rather than painted. I suppose it could be paint was placed over the blue and has disappeared with time.

The second is painted and is stamped. On the upper left reverse is "800," poorly applied in that the lower parts of the number are stamped into the edge of the flat border. On the upper right, reverse is a rectangular stamping that I cannot decipher. If, on authentic examples, the stamping was done prior to assembly, this one is obviously postwar.

Any help will be deeply appreciated.

Maybe postwar Souval?

Grump,,,wanted one for 30 years.. But when even the experts can't agree .... I saw an advert from the early 50s. A German company was making them 'from original tooling' along with other medals/badges. I've heard from old timers many times over the years that these postwar pieces are much of what we all have in our collections..

I think your conclusions are correct... Postwar restrikes do have some value. Don't know how much though...

Yep - Souval - I've had one for years. And that's a nice one.

Thanks, Gaspare and Jamie. They were bought about 25 to 30 years ago as reproductions, but looked good on mannequins with tunics. I do believe the ribbon on one is authentic, It has that soft, silky feel. The other ribbon has a "hard" feel. Neither glow under "black light." The painted one also has the oak leaf device with swords, which, I am sure, is also post war, but it is done well, with crisp detail. These will go up for sale if and when I can determine a fair price. If anyone has that information, I would appreciate hearing it.

I read somewhere a good while back that these crosses have become collectables in their own right, selling for $450.00 - $500.00. Saw one on e �bay a while back and the guy was asking $850.00, I don't know what it sold for, sorry.

Thanks, Jamie. That helps quite a bit. I have read the same information, along with other history on the cross, but arriving at a price has been guesswork.

You're very welcome.