Germany, Federal Republic. A Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds Clasp, with Case, Exhibition Example by Rudolf Souval c. 1965

(Goldenem Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Etui, Museumsstück). Constructed of a gilded silver alloy, the obverse consisting of three overlaid oak leaves, situated above a pair of crossed swords, all inset with 75 cut glass gems, the reverse with a malleable attachment loop, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of an exhibition example manufactured by Rudolf Souval, Vienna, c. 1965, measuring 28.14 mm (w) x 31.19 mm (h), weighing 8.6 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered LDO logo, the interior with a padded white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), a matching set of exceptional quality and faithfully recreating a grade of the Knight’s Cross awarded solely to legendary Stuka ace Hans-Ulrich Rudel, in near mint condition.