Oak Leaves to the 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. A higher grade, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross, was instituted in 1940. The Oak Leaves were awarded 883 times. This set of oak leaves is marked with a '900 SILBER' silver hallmark and the early 'L/50' marking indicating production by the company of 'Godet' from Berlin. The oak leaves are in very good condition and still retain most of their original silver finish and are showing polished highlights. These are very rare and extremely hard to find. Stunning original set of oak leaves!