Description
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) is made externally to match the Iron Cross of the 1st Class, but it is larger (about 5 cm wide) and was worn on a black-white-red ribbon around the neck.
It is a black Teutonic cross in a silver frame with a ring at the top for wearing on a ribbon. In the center of the cross is a swastika, at the bottom is the year 1939 (acceptance of this award), and on the reverse side is the year 1813 (foundation of the order).
Historical reference.
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) is a degree of the Military Order of the Iron Cross, the highest order of Nazi Germany, recognizing special bravery in battle or success in leading troops during World War II. He was introduced on September 1, 1939 with the restoration of the Order of the Iron Cross. He had five degrees, which appeared during the war. The lowest degree was the most common, the Knight's Cross itself, and 7,365 people were awarded it.
The Knight's Cross consisted of three main parts: an iron base, an obverse and an outer frame. In most cases, this frame was made of silver, as well as the so—called "German silver" - an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. At the end of the war, some specimens contained only zinc. The base for the marine version was made of blackened brass for wearing in a marine climate.
There are cases when Iron Crosses of the 2nd class were used instead of Knight's Crosses when going on combat missions to avoid damage or loss of awards.
Information from ru.m.wikipedia.org.
