Germany, Federal Republic. A Cased Knight’s Cross Of The Iron Cross, 1957 Version, To Wolfram Kurtz

(Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Etui). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue; 1957 reissue). Constructed of non-magnetic, silvered metal alloy, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened core inside of a silvered frame, the obverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring with a period original neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 48.2 mm (w) x 54.1 mm (h), weighing 31.4 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wood frame with a faux black leather exterior, the interior with a padded white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover and a slotted and depressed black velvet medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 80 mm (w) x 145 mm (l) x 23 mm (h), some loss of paint is evident to the reverse of the decoration and the lid of the presentation case does not close with a flush fit, otherwise in near extremely fine condition, accompanied by a signed photograph of the recipient in a Bundeswehr uniform, undated, measuring 103 mm (w) x 147 mm (h), also accompanied by a letter of provenance and certificate of authenticity by Detlev Niemann.

Footnote: Wolfram Kertz was born on 29 July 1916 in Porta Westfalica, Germany. He enlisted in the Wehrmacht in 1937 and initially served with the 77th Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to Leutnant and 1940, initially seeing action in Norway before being deployed to Finland and the Soviet Union. In the autumn of 1944 he was transferred to the Western Front, where he held commands during Operation Market Garden. On 1 December 1944, Kertz was made commander of the Großdeutschland Regiment in Berlin, playing a key role in the defence of the city until the German surrender on 1 May 1945. He was captured by the Red Army and held as a prisoner of war in the Soviet Union until 1949. After being repatriated to then-West Germany, Kertz re-enlisted in the Bundeswehr and rose to the rank of Colonel of Reserves before retiring in 1967. He died on 5 May 2009 in Lohmar, Germany.