RK from the Original Recipient

[Dave Kane]

Anyone have any thoughts on why the firm of K&Q began a frenetic production of Knight's Crosses so late in the game? So rushed that the frame isn't even as nice as their IC 2nd.?


Just to throw something out for discussion....was the PK notified of a 'problem' by S&L and thus authorized yet another (maker) to produce the RK?

Dave

[Luftm40]

You know, when I first saw the pics, I thought there was a die flaw...picture #2 looks like it has the faint flaws in the typical areas on the right arm...maybe my eyes deceive. Also, the ring isn't completely finished out...not as bad as some, but not as good either...


Dave, I don't have the stats handy, but I believe the # of award recipients spiked up dramatically as the war went on...they probably just started to run out of crosses from existing stocks and authorized another maker to close the gap. I do think KQ crosses are primarily late war pieces given the PK numbers that are almost always present on them and what I have observed in groups and portraits. Both of my KQ crosses came directly from the recipient or family, and were both very late war awards. Not scientific, but interesting. If you have a book of RKT portraits...Das Kreuz, the Bender two Vol series etc...go thru and pick out the KQs. They are easy to spot because of the fat loop and straighter arms. The award dates for these guys are very often later...1943-45

[von ropen]

Congratulations, Mike,
You have a very nice RK, and a very good luftwaffe friend... Any piece of information about him?

[Mike H]

Follow up

I can't provide any information on the RK recipient right now as it would violate his privacy.

To answer some questions ...

I don't know how many reunions he attended. Obviously, the RK is in very nice condition and has been well kept throughout the years. Amazing how well things are preserved when they don't pass from hand to hand constantly. As I recall from my conversations, the RK was presented very late in the war (March or April 1945) and no document was ever received. Just a telegram and perhaps some sort of letter from his commander.

The documents for all the awards still exist and are in the hands of the recipient. I hope these are re-united with the badges and medals one day.

Mike

[Brian S]

I'm with Andy on this one, maybe a faint glimmer of a pimple or more on the 3 o'clock. A closeup of the 3 o'clock would be really a bonus to the flaw study.

[Mike H]

Flaw

Gentlemen,

I will take a closeup photo of what you would like to see on my next visit to my friend who owns this RK. It would be very helpful in your study, that's for sure.

My best,

Mike