2 Piece Lot of PANZER COLONEL ERNST-WILHELM HOFFMAN's KNIGHTS CROSS WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER AND HEINRICH HOFFMAN PRESENTATION PHOTO

To avoid any potential confusion or misunderstandings in presenting this information on this rare item, each each of its four (4) basic component parts will be discussed as individual issues on the following web pages. Specifically, this includes (1) the RIBBON ASSEMBLY, (2) the KNIGHT'S CROSS MEDAL, (3) the OAK LEAF CLUSTER and (4) the PRESENATION HEINRICH HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH.

RIBBON ASSEMBLY

Pictured left is a slightly enlarged photograph of the buckle assembly. Easily visible in this photo is the small amount of surface rust appearing on the keeper and edges of this component part, denoting significant age.

Similarly visible is the construction and stitching used to secure the buckle to the ribbon. Given the intricate nature of this work, it is safe to conclude that it was performed by a professional sewer using a machine, and not someone simply using a needle and thread.

The overlapping of the ribbon to produce a curved effect, so as to permit it be worn around the neck without any bunching, is similarly well done and thought out.

This folding and stitching all along the length of the ribbon also has the effect of giving it a significant amount of strength, making it unlikely that it would give way, rip or fall apart even if pulled with extreme force from the wearer's neck.

Pictured left are the four lines of support stitching employed on the non buckle end of the ribbon to assist its transformation from a simple ribbon into a strap with holes that could serve as a companion with the buckle. The full length view of the complete strap, with keeper holes, is also shown.

In all of my years of collecting, I have never seen, nor has any of the experts I have ever shown it to, a ribbon so well produced, or obviously original to the period. In all cases, it is what you would expect a winner of a high award like the Knight's Cross with oak leaf cluster to merit and wear.

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