Opinions on Knight´s Cross with Oakleaf

[Alex K.]

Hello again,
need some opinions on this KC with OL. Core of Knight´s Cross is not magnetic and has 800 mark, no mark on Oakleaf.
Thank you
Alex

[Alex K.]

800 mark

[Dietrich Maerz]

The cross is a non-magnetic core B-Type and the Oakleaves are also a post-war S&L product.

Dietrich

[Leroy]

Gordon Williamson and Harald Geissler show this type of Oakleaves (with the flaws) as being wartime, and in fact do not differentiate between the type with flaws and the type without. Perhaps they are right; however, the only type I felt comfortable in identifying as wartime, based a combination of "A" type unflawed crosses and Oakleaves and Oakleaves and Swords appearing on a "barter board" brought back by a British officer shortly after the war (one of which is shown below), together with a set of Oakleaves and Swords attached to a K&Q cross in the Imperial War Museum (also shown below), was the unflawed type. The first set which could be actually documented as being from the postwar period had the flaws.

I would very much like to see much closer and more detailed photos of both the front and back of the cross and the Oakleaves. Close-up and clear shots of the 6-9 o'clock "bridge flaw" identified by Dietrich, and also the "dent row", are essential.

It is a very nice piece, not often encountered in this condition, whether or not it may be postwar, and it would be very interesting to know more about it. Where did you get it (or did someone else just send photos to you)?

[Leroy]

....the only type I felt comfortable in identifying as wartime, based a combination....

Sorry. Should have read: "based on a combination..."

It should be noted in the evaluation of this piece that the "800" silver mark on the cross is neither the "large 800" nor the "micro 800" (nor, of course, the "incuse 800") seen on wartime pieces from S&L, but is rather the "800" commonly seen seen on postwar crosses. For some reason, it is especially prevalent on "C" framed crosses.

[Dietrich Maerz]

In the time when Williamson and Geissler were composing their books, neither the knowledge nor the depth of scrutiny and the scepticism was at a level it is since 7-8 years.
I rather follow your scientific investigation as outlined in the IMC than to believe anything hypothetical from them. Problem is, they don't provide any proof at all, they are just listing what they were sent or told during the composing stage.

Dietrich

[Leroy]

Yes, we are in a very different world now.