I'm confused with some of the (evidently) contradictions in the use and interpretations of the PKZ-Number on awards. Maybe we can bring some light into this issue with our combined knowledge.
Gordon Williamson says in his book that during a meeting on Jul 15 1940 the LdO was founded and that the actual numbering system was introduced on 1 March 1941.
First question:
Where the PKZ-Numbers introduced:
- before that date?
- at the same date?
- after that date?
Gordon also states in his excellent book that the use of the PKZ numbers was mandated in late 1944 (page 295) or mid 1944 (page 482) for marking the Ritterkreuz.
Second question:
Was the PKZ-Number used before in marking the Ritterkreuz?
It surely seems so with other awards like the DKiG, EK2, Ostmedaille and others. I don't think that all those marked pieces were produced after mid 1944.
On apge 293 Gordon shows a Deschler, marked with the PKZ-number "1" and the core is made of non-iron. Something pointing very clearly to 'early in the war", for sure not after 1941 with it's rules and regualtions regarding the manufacturing of orders and medals.
On page 46 Gordon states that from 1944 onwards all awards supplied to the Praesidialkanzlei were to carry the official PKZ number. So from that, any DK, any non-LdO marked EK2 and so on was produced after mid 1944?
Does somebody have some more information regarding the seemingly not yet 100% clear use and interpretation of the PKZ-number. The best, of course, would be articles from the "Uniformen-Markt", "Schwert und Spaten" and/or "Signal".
Thank you!
Dietrich
Gordon Williamson says in his book that during a meeting on Jul 15 1940 the LdO was founded and that the actual numbering system was introduced on 1 March 1941.
First question:
Where the PKZ-Numbers introduced:
- before that date?
- at the same date?
- after that date?
Gordon also states in his excellent book that the use of the PKZ numbers was mandated in late 1944 (page 295) or mid 1944 (page 482) for marking the Ritterkreuz.
Second question:
Was the PKZ-Number used before in marking the Ritterkreuz?
It surely seems so with other awards like the DKiG, EK2, Ostmedaille and others. I don't think that all those marked pieces were produced after mid 1944.
On apge 293 Gordon shows a Deschler, marked with the PKZ-number "1" and the core is made of non-iron. Something pointing very clearly to 'early in the war", for sure not after 1941 with it's rules and regualtions regarding the manufacturing of orders and medals.
On page 46 Gordon states that from 1944 onwards all awards supplied to the Praesidialkanzlei were to carry the official PKZ number. So from that, any DK, any non-LdO marked EK2 and so on was produced after mid 1944?
Does somebody have some more information regarding the seemingly not yet 100% clear use and interpretation of the PKZ-number. The best, of course, would be articles from the "Uniformen-Markt", "Schwert und Spaten" and/or "Signal".
Thank you!
Dietrich
. Maybe they used the 'standard' ring for a LdO piece. That would be my guess. For sure is one thing, the Praesidialkanzlei did not give out WW1 crosses as official award pieces!!!!
) However, I think the PK numbers were in use earlier than we accept.
)
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