Not much feed-back, so I’ll continue my monologue 
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Wes, I concur with your assumption that inventory pieces could be used, but firmly believe the transition regarding fan-markings and Klasse occurred in 1943. The fan’markings followed a logic pattern, down to the marked II. Klasse neck cross, which was accordingly marked with a “2”. I think it’s important to emphasize the distinction between the III. and II. Klasse. When awarded a III.Klasse and later the recipient received the star, the cross was marked “3”. If on the other hand the cross and the star were awarded simultaneously, both cross and star were II. Klasse by definition, which is confirmed by the “2” on the fan on the cross. The fact that II. Klasse sets can be found with a “3” marked cross, can be explained by the permission to keep the original cross when awarded a higher class, instead if deliver it back for a new “2” marked cross. Here’s also where the inventory theory makes logic i.e. neck crosses with a “1” on the fan, or even unmarked could be issued in conjunction with the star, as well as an alleged III. Klasse. The only thing I find definite though, is that any neck cross awarded before 1943 could not feature the markings “2” or “3”. Nor could a V. Klasse be marked “3”.<o></o>
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With this in mind, perhaps the markings on the 1937 and 1939 versions can be explained. Angolia states that the 1937 neck cross was marked with a “1” on the ring for class. Suggestions have been brought forward that this could indicate manufacturer i.e. Deschler, something I find hard to believe . I’m not familiar with any class markings on the breast cross (3<sup>rd</sup> Stufe) or the Grand Cross, which might seem odd. After all, the suspension was the same and the difference between the breast cross and the neck cross was merely 5mm. But if we compare with the 1943 markings, there is one logical possibility i.e. the single neck cross was marked “1” in order to differentiate it from Verdienstkreuz mit Stern. Pablo’s excellent reference has shown the presence of both unmarked and “1”-marked neck crosses, indicating that the unmarked neck crosses could have been issued for the sets. Now the floor is open.<o></o>
Cheers<o></o>
Peter <o></o>
.<o></o>Wes, I concur with your assumption that inventory pieces could be used, but firmly believe the transition regarding fan-markings and Klasse occurred in 1943. The fan’markings followed a logic pattern, down to the marked II. Klasse neck cross, which was accordingly marked with a “2”. I think it’s important to emphasize the distinction between the III. and II. Klasse. When awarded a III.Klasse and later the recipient received the star, the cross was marked “3”. If on the other hand the cross and the star were awarded simultaneously, both cross and star were II. Klasse by definition, which is confirmed by the “2” on the fan on the cross. The fact that II. Klasse sets can be found with a “3” marked cross, can be explained by the permission to keep the original cross when awarded a higher class, instead if deliver it back for a new “2” marked cross. Here’s also where the inventory theory makes logic i.e. neck crosses with a “1” on the fan, or even unmarked could be issued in conjunction with the star, as well as an alleged III. Klasse. The only thing I find definite though, is that any neck cross awarded before 1943 could not feature the markings “2” or “3”. Nor could a V. Klasse be marked “3”.<o></o>
<o></o>
With this in mind, perhaps the markings on the 1937 and 1939 versions can be explained. Angolia states that the 1937 neck cross was marked with a “1” on the ring for class. Suggestions have been brought forward that this could indicate manufacturer i.e. Deschler, something I find hard to believe . I’m not familiar with any class markings on the breast cross (3<sup>rd</sup> Stufe) or the Grand Cross, which might seem odd. After all, the suspension was the same and the difference between the breast cross and the neck cross was merely 5mm. But if we compare with the 1943 markings, there is one logical possibility i.e. the single neck cross was marked “1” in order to differentiate it from Verdienstkreuz mit Stern. Pablo’s excellent reference has shown the presence of both unmarked and “1”-marked neck crosses, indicating that the unmarked neck crosses could have been issued for the sets. Now the floor is open.<o></o>
Cheers<o></o>
Peter <o></o>
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