The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Wehrmacht awards

Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide

Instituted 1 September 1939, with the renewal of the Iron Cross
Higher grades Oak Leaves (3 June 1940); Swords and Diamonds (1941); Golden Oak Leaves (29 December 1944)
Recipients (DHM figures) Knight’s Cross 7,313; Oak Leaves 883; Swords 159; Diamonds 27; Golden Oak Leaves 1
Typical paperwork Preliminary certificate; formal presentation document in a folder; press and propaganda photographs
In the collection No pieces currently available

The Knight’s Cross was the highest grade of the Iron Cross available to most soldiers, worn at the neck. Its recipients were celebrated in propaganda, and today genuine crosses are among the most expensive and most faked items of the period.

What Was the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross?

The Knight’s Cross was created with the renewal of the Iron Cross on 1 September 1939. To keep distinguishing outstanding recipients, higher grades were added: the Oak Leaves on 3 June 1940 (the first went to Eduard Dietl), the Swords and the Diamonds in 1941, and finally the Golden Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds on 29 December 1944, awarded only to the pilot Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

Grade Introduced Recipients (DHM)
Knight’s Cross 1 September 1939 7,313
Oak Leaves 3 June 1940 883
Swords 1941 159
Diamonds 1941 27
Golden Oak Leaves 29 December 1944 1

Published totals differ slightly between reference works, partly because of awards made in the last days of the war.

Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?

Recipients typically received a preliminary certificate and later a formal presentation document. The recipient’s name, rank and unit can be checked against published rolls of Knight’s Cross holders, which makes documented items easier to verify than anonymous crosses. Signed photographs of recipients are a field of their own; see original signature or facsimile.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Fakes of the cross and of the documents are widespread and sometimes sophisticated. Expert examination is essential.
  • Named items must agree with the published rolls: name, rank, unit and date.
  • Post-war crosses (1957 pattern and later copies) are common.
  • Signed photographs of recipients were produced in quantity, and many were signed after the war.

Legal note. In Germany the 1957 Orders and Decorations Act allows Second World War awards to be worn only without National Socialist emblems, which is why “1957 pattern” versions without the swastika exist. The public display of Nazi symbols is restricted in Germany, Austria and several other countries. Owning, buying and selling original decorations as historical objects is treated differently from country to country, so check the law where you live and where you ship.

Collector’s Note

With the Knight’s Cross I start from the recipient, not the object. A name that cannot be checked against the rolls is the first warning sign.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Knight’s Crosses were awarded?

According to the Deutsches Historisches Museum, 7,313.

Who received the Golden Oak Leaves?

Only Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

Who was the first recipient of the Oak Leaves?

Eduard Dietl, in 1940.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading