An exceptional and complete Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, manufactured by Klein & Quenzer. The silver frame is hallmarked “800”, while the suspension ring bears the marks “800” and “65”. The cross itself is preserved in virtually mint condition: the silver frame retains its fine frosted-and-polished finish with mirror-like brilliance, and the velvety black core remains flawless. It is accompanied by the full-length original ribbon (72 cm) and the fitted presentation case, which is in perfect condition with no damage or wear, an outstanding personal survivor.
This rare set comes directly from the family of the awardee, Gefreiter Jakob Zert, and is supported by complete provenance. All factual details are confirmed by the original family sheet and photographs:
Name: Jakob Zert
Date of birth: 23 November 1923
Place of birth: Wólka Tarnowska (Chełm), Poland
Rank / position: Gefreiter, Stellvertretender Gruppenführer, 3. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 467, 267. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Award: Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz), 21 April 1944
Date of death: 15 August 1944
Included in the group are two original funeral photographs with period handwritten inscriptions on the reverse, which provide further confirmation of provenance and add immense historical value. The inscriptions read:
“Jakob, Juli 1944, Hof Obl., begraben in Krüden” — (“Jakob, July 1944, Hof Oblast., buried in Krüden”)
“Am Grabe in Krüden” — (“At the grave in Krüden”)
Together, the Knight’s Cross with full ribbon, pristine presentation case, and the historically significant funeral photographs with original inscriptions form a unique, fully documented family grouping of the highest rarity and collector’s importance.