1957 Oakleaves - Old or New

[hagwalther]

With the interest on the forum in early 1957 Knights Crosses and some quite interesting amounts being offered for them I was wondering how one identifies the next step up the award chain being the Oakleaves.

I note from previous threads that the later ones appears to be made in the UK and stamped with a '925' designation and are not of (lets say) the best of quality.

I have a cased set of Oakleaves that I showed on the forum around 18 months ago and Gordon Williamson gave them the green light (and I quote)

"The Oakleaves as definite Steinhauer & Lück 1957 type."

I did though, not think to ask then when they were actually made.

I've posted the Oaks again - sorry about the small size pictures and will describe them as such:

1) 18.8 mm from top to bottom (Oaks only - not clip).

2) 19.7 mm across.

3) Marked '800' on rear, lower left side.

4) Oaks are gently, but noticeably, vaulted.

5) Appear to be frosted or are silver plated on the obverse.

If anyone has any ideas out there then please post a reply.

[hagwalther]

And the rear ...

[Grant Broadhurst]

Hi ,

Could do with better pics , but with the 800 mark and the frosting that would bring me to think that they are early , as one of the first things to go was the frosting , then the 800 silver till they just made them out of that horrible shiny stuff in the later years .

Grant

[hagwalther]

Here are the Oaks in their case.

[hagwalther]

Better obverse picture ...

[hagwalther]

Reverse...