Zimmermann RK Loop

[Sly]

Dietrich suggests in his book that Zimmermann RK were always issued with the Imperial loop, though I've seen many with a standard type 800 marked loop (see page. 174 of the book). Any thoughts on whether the standard loop were factory installed on 800 20 marked Zimm RK?

[Dietrich Maerz]

One will never really be able to determine which loop is the correct one for a specific Knights Cross or even time frame of a Knights Cross. As with a lot in our hobby, the "knowledge' is based on statistics.
One strong argument for the use of the "imperial-style" loop throughout the production time are the (late) "20" marked Zimmermanns which were found in this burned out building. They had the imperial loop.

But loops can be switched and have been switched and the seller will always say that this or that particular loop was with the cross since the birth of time.

[Harry]

I think it more probable that the 20 marked crosses from the burned out stores had imperial- shaped loops retro- fitted, the couple I have seen show no signs of an 800 mark

[Dietrich Maerz]

That is true, the ones I have seen were also unmarked. But whoever did it, did a nice aging job......if it was replaced.

[blackbob]

Dietrich suggests in his book that Zimmermann RK were always issued with the Imperial loop, though I've seen many with a standard type 800 marked loop (see page. 174 of the book). Any thoughts on whether the standard loop were factory installed on 800 20 marked Zimm RK?

Not true. The imperial loop the most likely. Conventional loop seen on the Zimmerman 20 RK. To believe only imperial loop is not correct. Some words louder, but not always right.