1939 knights cross of the iron cross

Description 1939 knights cross of the iron cross.  Reproduction award. A quality reproduction RK. Good copy with nice beading, swastika and casting. Maker marked 800 to the  frame. Complete  with wide neck ribbon. HISTORICAL INFORMATION: The 1939 Knights cross of  the Iron  cross The  Iron cross was  first Introduced   in  1813  by Fredrich Wilhelm 111 of Prussia during the Napoleonic wars. It was  reinstated as  a German  award  rather  than just  Prussian in 1870,1914  and during  the  Third  Reich from 1939. The roots  of  the Iron  cross  can be traced  back to the Teutonic knight order 1190 AD.  The very  earliest example  of  a  Teutonic cross can be  traced  to  the  1300§`s  and appeared on coins in various  cities Later  Heraldic neck  cross were   worn around the 1600`s with pin back crosses  appearing in the 1800,s. All these  inspired  the later  design of the iron cross we  are familiar  with today.   Early  neck  crosses  were  worn over  dark  clothing  with  white  enamel borders  to  make the  cross visible.  As  stated early  the  first  award  was instituted in 1813  followed  again in 1870, 1914, 1939  and finally  1957. The 1939 Knights cross of  the Iron  cross  was introduced 1st  September 1939.  famous  holders  were  Erin Rommel,  Adolf  Galland and F.Von Bock.