1939 Grand Knight's Cross Ribbon Bar

Elevate your collection with this authentic 1939 Grand Knight's Cross ribbon bar, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Expertly embroidered with black, white, and red thread, this ribbon bar represents the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, the highest military award of Nazi Germany during World War II (1939–1945). Below, we explore its historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The 1939 Grand Knight's Cross ribbon bar was part of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, instituted on September 1, 1939, by Adolf Hitler. Awarded to exceptional officers, generals, and paramilitary personnel for acts of bravery or leadership, it was bestowed upon fewer than 7,300 recipients, including notable figures like Erwin Rommel and Hans-Ulrich Rudel. Worn on the uniform’s ribbon bar, it signified elite status within the Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS, and Luftwaffe. Crafted under RZM standards, this ribbon bar reflects the Third Reich’s military prestige, making it a significant artifact for WWII studies.

Material & Condition

This 1939 Grand Knight's Cross ribbon bar is embroidered with black, white, and red thread, measuring 10 cm by 1 cm and weighing 10g. Designed for attachment to a uniform’s ribbon bar, the thread provides a vibrant, durable display. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as thread fraying or color fading, with consistent stitching indicating wartime production. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic threads or lack the precision of wartime craftsmanship.

Collector’s Insight

The 1939 Grand Knight's Cross ribbon bar is a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for its connection to Nazi Germany’s highest military honor. The black, white, and red thread design makes it a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles, particularly those interested in Iron Cross awards and elite decorations. Its historical significance lies in its association with the Third Reich’s military hierarchy, appealing to enthusiasts of Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS history.

This ribbon bar is ideal for military historians, museum curators, and reenactors seeking accurate uniform components for educational displays or living-history events. Given its highly sensitive historical context, collectors must handle this artifact with respect, using it to educate about WWII’s complexities rather than glorifying the associated ideology. For preservation, store the ribbon bar in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or case to protect against moisture, UV light, and thread degradation. Displaying it in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation enhances its educational value, offering a tangible link to the era of Nazi Germany’s military awards.