Introduced in 1939 alongside the Iron Cross, the Knight's Cross was intended for issue to soldiers whose exploits in the field went well beyond the level that merited the Iron Cross. Though technically lower than the Grand Cross, as the Grand Cross was only issued once the Knight's Cross was for all practical purposes the top decoration for combat in the Third Reich. The oak leaf device, inspired by previous Prussian gallantry awards, was introduced in 1940 as an expansion of the award. Due to the structure of German awards, all the lower Crosses are pre-requisites for the higher ranking ones; the recipient of the Knight's Cross with Oak leaves would first have to earn the 2nd and 1st Class Iron Crosses and an unadorned Knight's Cross. Only awarded 890 times, many of the early Oak Leaves were presented by Adolf Hitler personally. Measuring 1 7/8 inches across and 2 inches tall, the front bears a swastika over "1939", with "1813" on the rear, black painted interior and uncovered silver border with "935" stamped on the rear just below the hanging ring and a silver hanger. The red, white, and black ribbon is fitted with a metal hook at each end, and a silver oak leaf ornament in the center with "21" and "900" stamped on the rear. With an a typical black leatherette case with an exterior latch. On page 19 of Forman's Guide to Third Reich German Awards, 2nd Edition, The author lists 14, Type B as a "Deluxe Type, also officially awarded…" with the closest markings to this example. On page 22, "NR 15 1st Form" 1939 Knight's cross is identical to the medal itself.

Excellent. The cross and oak leaves show some minor handling marks overall, with a few scratches on the black painted areas of the cross. Minor staining is visible on the ribbon, with light scuffs on the otherwise fine case.