Ritterkreuz with Oak Leaves

[Element7]

Hi Guys,

Recently I bought my first 57 Badge. It is also my first Ritterkreuz because I am normal and can't afford a Third Reich Cross. I had been searching for a reproduction RK to add to my Heer Officers Tunic and I came across this badge.

The cross has a decent amount of wear which is what initially drew my attention to it. I'm sorry its difficult to make out on my crappy photo's but the cross is marked with "800" on the bottom reverse side of the frame. The paint looks a little rough and appears to have possibly been touched up at some point. As you can see the worn paint reveals a non-ferrous, presumably, copper based alloy core.

The cross came with a set of Oak Leaves without swords, I think they are reproductions. Again its difficult to see in my photos but they are marked 900, Silber L/50. The case actually has an imprint of Oak Leaves with Swords so I assume that the Oak Leaves and/or the case were joined together later in life.

I would like some information regarding a production time and authenticity of the cross, ribbon, Oak Leaves and case. Any help and additional information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for looking!

Kirby

[Element7]

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[Nigel N]

Hi!
Well. firstly, for sure the Oaks are just repro's, but I don't like the RK either, details soft, finish, not normal for an S&L piece, and core appears pitted?
Can you check to see if it is of 3 part construction, because its looking like a possible casting from these pics?
-Nigel

[Matthieu]

Hmm, not a fan of this set ... There is a slight chance the KC could be good ( not a high chance though ), but the patina is artificial.

[Tom B]

Nothing about this set that I like ......sorry Tom

[Element7]

Hi!
Well. firstly, for sure the Oaks are just repro's, but I don't like the RK either, details soft, finish, not normal for an S&L piece, and core appears pitted?
Can you check to see if it is of 3 part construction, because its looking like a possible casting from these pics?
-Nigel

Nigel,

It is a three piece cross. I really did not pay much for this set so if none of its good it was still worth it if only for an education. To make good out of a bad the purchase has also gotten me interested in something other than TR period badges so I will be on the hunt for a good 57 set!

Thank you both for the information and I look forward to any other input good or bad

Kirby Bletcher

[Nigel N]

Hi Kirby!
If its 3 piece, then at least its not a casting!!
So, probably an original S&L, just been messed about with and artificially aged??
-Nigel

[Tony T-S]

I think it might have once been a C frame that's been weathered horribly with the paint on the core totally butchered. Interesting that it is a bottom (800) marked frame rather than under the ose.

[Steve 5]

Kirby, my opinion is, as it has a non magnetic core, that it is a heavily artificially aged "D" frame RK by St u L a legitimate Knights Cross ! its core IMO has been repainted giving that uneven cast look, as Nigel states but if three piece construction it can not be a full cast fake. The polishing smooth of the ribbed corner frames is a typical trait of these late crosses.
Prost ! Steve.

[Element7]

Thanks for the information guy! I appreciate you taking the time to look at my cross.

My hunt for a nice early example begins. If anyone has any they would consider letting go please send me a PM.

Thanks very much!
Kirby