Germany, Federal Republic. A Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Case, Exhibition Example by Rudolf Souval, c. 1980

(Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Etui, Museumsstück). Constructed of iron and neusilber, consisting of a Cross Patté with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, topped by an eyelet connecting to a clasp consisting of three overlaid oak leaves situated above a pair of crossed swords, the reverse with a loop retaining an original full-length neck ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of an exhibition example produced by Rudolf Souval, Vienna, c. 1980 for veteran replacement and collector display, the cross measuring 49.05 mm (w) x 54.58 mm (h), the clasp measuring 25.77 mm (w) x 27.64 mm (h), weighing 26.7 grams overall, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered LDO logo, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a fitted black velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 80 mm (w) x 145 mm (l) x 28 mm (h), a late-period example in overall mint condition.