KC Suspension Loops

[Sonderkommando]

Hi all,
I was hoping if someone can help me with some questions regarding the suspension loop for the Knights Cross. Is it possible to have an un-marked original suspension loop for the KC, and what lengths were considered correct for these? I know they average about 20mm but is 24mm out of the question for an original? One more question, is it possible to have an original un-marked KC?

Thanks,
Brett

[RoyA]

Hi Brett,
It is entirely possible to have an authentic KC and an authentic ribbon loop devoid of any marks. 24mm loop size is larger than normally found, but I wouldn't let the size in itself rule it out...it would only caution me to look deeper into the entire piece.
Check out this excellent article by Andy Hopkins for more information on loop sizes.
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/iron...cross_tech.htm

[Dave Kane]

24mm!!!

Brett 24mm is far too long for a war time suspension loop! Those that I have seen, measured weighed etc. have never exceeded 20mm in length and most often are 19mm. The silver stock is typically 1.48mm wide and depending on the 'quality' of the silver stock they weigh in the area of 1.4 to 1.6 grams.
John

[Gordon Williamson]

Unmarked pieces are perfectly OK, many early KCs were like this.

20mm is about right for as standard loop. At this size, only the bottom part of the loop, which passes through the eye, is single, the remainder being doubled as you can see from the photos of the S&L and K&Q RKs posted in the last few days.
I certainly wouldn't bee too concerned about a loop being slightly longer on a cross which was otherwise OK. If you study enough wartime photos you will find clear evidence of other, longer, "non-standard" loops being worn. Check the length of the single portion of the loop on this one

[Dave Kane]

That's long alright! However, the appearance of 'length' might be augmented by the very short end pieces. Gordon, I wonder IF loops longer than the 'standard' might have been produced for the 46mm ribbons...
John

[ChrisJ]

Longer ?

Yep... I was just about to say that too JohnJ.
I think we all know that the ribbon is often a tight fit on the RK, and depending on the type of attachment method for the ribbon it can be very difficult if not impossible to remove the loop. For instance, I have an RK with a metal hook and clasp attachment that will not pass through the loop. Perhaps the larger loops were added by recipients "post award" to allow easy removal for cleaning of both ribbon and loop. Its a thought.

[Tim Calvert]

The loop on mine is in the vicinity of 24 mm and appears to be brass.

[Dave Kane]

Hi Tim, please post a shot of it and ofcourse the Knight's Cross!
John

[Tim Calvert]

Hi John,
Here you are.....

[Dave Kane]

Tim...Holy cow!!! Is that a 3/4 ring? Your RK has to be a 1 of a kind!!
Your photo reminds me of an old girl friend....c'mon lift that skirt I mean the ribbon a bit so we can see....
John

[Tim Calvert]

Dammit John!!
You caught me! I was waiting for you to tell me it was not good! Then I would post this pic!
Major Egon Thiem
RK July '40
Schlachtflieger

Good eye!
Tim

[Tim Calvert]

a little closer for you....Enjoy!

[Tim Calvert]

Here's a close-up of the photo....

[Dave Kane]

Tim, that is just super FINE!!! And, as we all know, with this stuff if it's REAL there's no need to question nor explain it....yours just shouts 'look at me' (even without the picture)!!
Great cross and thanks for the 'test'!! As I said it MUST be a 1 of 1 in combination with that loop. Darn, that's sweet!
John ( not usually jealous ) J.

[Tim Calvert]

Thanks John,
Here are a few more shots...