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 and the cross does still have the neat so-called 'Hochpolierte Kanten'. The cross just shows some minor wear and has great detail overall, the cross comes with its original confectioned piece of ribbon as it was worn around the neck. The cross is not visible maker marked but can be attributed to the company of 'Otto Schickle' in Pforzheim. Stunning original piece with just the right amount of wear to it, a collector's dream. Scarce original Knight's Cross!