Zimmermann Knights Cross - burned

[Dietrich Maerz]

This is one of the Zimmermann Knights Crosses that were found last year in a burned out building in Germany. It is damaged, yes, but it still shows very much the quality of the manufacture and is another example of how nice the Zimmermanns really are.

[Dietrich Maerz]

There is nearlu no damage to the silver frame itself. However, the core has substantial damage. Most of the paint is gone and rust has started to distort the numerals - but not to bad at all - considering where the cross was stored for the last 60 years.

[Dietrich Maerz]

There are clear signs of heat exposure on the frame and the cross endured a temperature that was enough to melt the solder. After the heat was over, the cross was splitt open and the solder also cooled down.

[Dietrich Maerz]

This shot clearly shows that the cross opened quite some time ago - one can see the rusting core inside.

[Dietrich Maerz]

The loop is of the typical imperial style of Zimmermann and is unmarked.

Not the best of all Zimmermann's out there (Harry ) but still a nice example to study and with another set of history. Best to be left like it is.

[Marc Garlasco]

WOW Dietrich - makes me think of an RK in a burning Tiger...
Marc

[Erickn]

Hi Dietrich,

Interesting cross! I agree, leave it as is. Thankx for showing it! Harry`s cross is Top! Maybe he will show it again??!! PK also has a nice worn one.

E.

[Jeff Nichols]

Dietrich, very nice. These are 100% original pieces. I owned one of these that came out of the burnt building, and I believe that mine was one of the nicest condition wise out of the 3 or 4 that were found. But, indeed they are rare maker RK...Cheers...Jeff

[Jeff Nichols]

Pic 2

[Jeff Nichols]

Pic 3

[Dave Kane]

Jeff, it's my understanding that there were more than just 3-4 found

Some with and without loops along with the Grand Crosses!

Not all were sold at the 1st offering and additional examples were again offered at a subsequent Show.

[Sal Williams]

This shot clearly shows that the cross opened quite some time ago - one can see the rusting core inside.

Dietrich, the rust could easily set in instantly, no reason to think it started rusting a long while ago. If you take a piece of unfinished iron, wet it and instantly blow it dry with an air gun you will get visible surfsce rust.

Thanks for showing this! Can someone tell me more about this story with the fire and subsequent sales of these? Were they discovered because of the fire?

Best, Sal

[upbeek]

zimmermnn rk,s are my dream cross
chay

[Harry]

I saw some pictures of the burnt Zimmermann that was re-conditioned (I wouldn't say restored) and I thought it was a bit of a shame it was touched at all as it ended up looking like one of those very late 1957 pattern RKs.

[münster]

Where is this building? Iam free all day.