Lot 503

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

KNIGHT''S CROSS OF THE IRON CROSS AWARD AND PRESENTATION FOLDER GIVEN TO EDWIN-OSKAR DIETZ, WITH 9TH PANZER DIV. OUTSIDE DUNKIRK
A PANZER OFFICER IN THE BREAKTHROUGH TO DUNKIRK A rare original document awarding the Knight''s Cross of the Iron Cross to Edwin-Oskar Deitz, Zugfuhrer in I./Schutzen Rgt., 9. Panzer-Div., 4pp. (bi-fold) parchment, 14" x 17", bearing the lithographed signature of Adolf Hitler at bottom. The text of the document reads: "In the name of the German People I award Oberleutnant EDWIN DIETZ the Knight''s Cross of the Iron Cross Fuhrer Headquarters 15 August 1940 The Fuhrer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht [Signed] Adolf Hitler". The document is intricately hand-lettered in dark brown India ink, and Dietz''s name is rendered in raised gold paint. Also present is the red-brown leather presentation folder with gilt trim, the front cover bearing a large embossed gilt national eagle and swastika. The printed name of the distinguished maker of the ensemble, "FRIEDA THIERSCH", is present on the bottom of the inside of the rear cover. Both the document and the covers are pierced in five locations: three across at top, once at a bottom corner, and one in the lower-left quadrant. The mounting holes, about 3mm. wide, can be easily restored on the document, but have puckered the covers thereat, which also bear a few scuffs and small tears. These defects could be remedied as well. Overall, this historic document remains very good and is estimated in accordance with the damage noted. Edwin Dietz was born in 1914. Although his specific heroic deed is unknown to us, he fought with the 9th Panzer Division in their sweep through the Low Countries and into France, halting outside Dunkirk until finally ordered to take the city. The division later turned south to join in the complete conquest of France. Dietz was also awarded Iron Crosses, 1st and 2nd Class. He would be killed in Szamirajowka, Russia on July 17, 1941 - less than a year after receiving this high award.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

September 14, 2017 11:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000