Finally got a DKIG with history!!

[London Jay]

Good evening Gentlemen,

After selling my waffenrock uniform and some armbands and medals I finally had enough money to get a DKIG which I've always wanted!

It was also named to a Karl Conen who was one of two survivors when U-460 was sunk by USA aircraft in october 1943.

He was awarded the DKIG in november 1943 so was picked up by another U-boat which he was refuelling when his one was sunk.

I don't know anymore about him such as what U-boat he then served on or what he did for the rest of the war. If anyone knows a way of finding out more information I would be eternally grateful!

Many thanks for looking.

Jay

[London Jay]

More

[London Jay]

134, Otto Klein

[London Jay]

Karl Conen with his DKIG in wear

[Dietrich Maerz]

Nice genuine DK!

If one would go after the previous reported knowledge, however, the cross would not be his awarded cross. There exists still the notion, which is held up by some for reasons unknown, that the Präsidialkanzlei numbers (PKZ for short , not PKA) were introduced mid 1944.

That is, of course, utter nonsense and goes against every serious research outside of the field of the Knights Cross. The Knights Cross, however, is a different issue but that should be known to every serious student of the subject. The PKZ numbers were in use end of 1942/beginning of 1943.

Thanks for posting the cross!

[bobcam1]

...a nice, bright Klein.....Nice score!

[hkusp40]

Nice cross. Congratulations. . -Ger

[Stu W]

Hi Jay,

Great looking piece. I recall seeing the sale site...were you able to get the letter from his brother?

Regards,
Stu

[PanzerElite]

After selling my waffenrock uniform and some armbands and medals I finally had enough money to get a DKIG which I've always wanted
------>You sold so many for the DK only or DK grouping?

[Woolgar]

Congrats Jay , a lovely cross mate

Nick

[JR.]

A Klein DKiG would not fit the time line for Conen receiving this piece in 1943, but possibly could be another that he received and owned.

[London Jay]

Thanks for all the comments guys.

Yes I got a couple of period photos of Karl and a signed document from his brother stating that the DK belonged to him.

No one know how I could find out anymore information on the said fella please?

Jay

[Darrell]

Always the case with "attributed" items. Unless there is refutable proof this belonged to the recipient, it's likely just a case of someone taking a piece of paper (photo or award doc) and mating them with a medal of some sort.

[Adam S.]

Always the case with "attributed" items. Unless there is refutable proof this belonged to the recipient, it's likely just a case of someone taking a piece of paper (photo or award doc) and mating them with a medal of some sort.

There is a signed and dated testimonial from his brother.

[London Jay]

There is a signed and dated testimonial from his brother.

Thanks for that Adam, I thought that was pretty refutable proof as well!

I do believe his brother is still alive too!!

Cheers

Jay