Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernes Kreuzes). On 1 September 1939 Adolf Hitler reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First, Second and Grand Cross Classes and established the new Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross was the highest award made by Nazi Germany to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or outstanding military leadership. Hitler reserved the right to personally authorize bestowal of the Knight’s Cross and all ranks were eligible for the award. In total it is estimated that roughly 7360 Knight’s Crosses were awarded during World War II. The cross has a three piece construction having a magnetic iron core and a silver frame. The loop is nicely marked with '800'. The cross is nicely maker marked with the so-called 'Lazy 2' indicating production by the company of 'C.E.Juncker' from Berlin. The cross comes together with an original worn piece of Knight's Cross ribbon with 'Zeus' marked buttons. It is almost impossible to find a Knight's Cross of this quality nowadays. Scarce and stunning original 'Juncker' Knight's Cross in very good condition!