Superb L/12 800 Cased Knights Cross of the Iron by Juncker

An absolutely textbook example of the most desirable and sought after of the rare Knights Cross to the Iron Cross, the L/12 800 by Juncker

Cross: Silver two piece frame, with typical “Juncker” frame beading cross-hatching in the corners. Other Juncker distinctions are the suspension ring which the lower part is slightly larger than the upper part. Magnetic iron core, with high swastika and the Junker characteristic 3 in the number 1813 which appears to lean towards the 1. Stamped under the suspension ring “L/12 800”. Silver, slightly pointed, suspension loop stamped “800”.

48.1 mm total width across the arms

48.4 mm height, without the ring

4.8 mm overall thickness measured at the beading

1.3 mm rim thickness (outer flange)

Weight with loop 33.4 gr.

Case: 79 mm x 145 mm, 24.5 mm high. Inner lower portion covered in black velvet lined with thin white cardboard with shaped recess for the cross and loop. Inside of the lid lined with white padded rayon material which extends at the end into the lower portion hiding the eight-part hinge. The outside of the case covered with black faux leather paper (Lederimitat), case with rounded corners with imprinted lines. Spring loaded catch with “mushroom” shape push button a characteristic of early Junker cases.

Ribbon: 46 cm long (inches) 

To quote Dietrich Maerz The Knights Cross of the Iron  Cross :

“Seemingly the “holy grail” of RK collectors is the so-called “L/12” is the most discussed manufacturer’s type. Most Juncker Knights Crosses are found with this marking (“800 L/12”) and the extent of Crosses awarded into mid-1944 are a testimony to the great number manufactured.

The earliest date of manufacture for this type can only be shortly after March, 1, 1941 the date of the introduction of LDO numbers (L/12). The first awarded cross with “800 L/12” which could be traced for the purposes of this book was awarded in May 1941. This coincides nicely with the establishment of the LDO. Due to the high standing which C.E. Junker had as a manufacturer, they likely delivered many Knights Crosses to the numerous uniform and medal shops all over Germany. After the prohibition of private sales of the RK around October, 1942, however, most of those Crosses went to the Präsidialkanzlei and were subsequently awarded…a minor variation “L/12 800” does exist and it seems to be scarcer than its inverted brother…” (pages 82 to 87)