L/52 vs. L/53 EK1 Mystery Uncovered!

[Colorado]

A while back a member asked about an L/53's originality and then later comes back with it's an L/52 mark not an L/53. Definately not a typical L/52 was the indication and return the cross was the recommendation. I missed this thread until today.
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ht=L%2F52+fake

I have an L/53 and I understand why it was mistaken for an L/52 mark. I believe there is a die flaw on the maker mark. There are two different types of EK1's that I have seen marked L/53. One looks like mine below and has the "frosted" finish on the back (that is why there is glare) and the other with typical German silver look. The strike on this is a little better than the one posted in the link. So, the "3" shape on the right side is visible. There is an identical flaw in both versions that runs from right to left diagonally.

Now, I could have this all wrong, but this cross came from a Vet source in the original case. I see there is no photo record of an L/53 but this is definately not an L/52 mark. The other type of L/53 mark due to the flaw looks just like an L/52 and were it not for the identical pin and hinge, identification would be tough.

Thoughts on my theory?

[Colorado]

front side

[Colorado]

Mark is tough to make out due to glare from frosting, but the "3" shape is visible.

[Colorado]

Here is the other type of L/53. With a camera it looks like a "3", but you can see the "2" shape. When observed under a loupe, this "3" looks like "2". Can't explain why, but it does not look like a "3".

[George Stimson]

You might have solved the earlier mystery! This EK that you posted has the characteristics of other pieces I've seen marked "L/53." And in a similar vein, I have an EK 2 Spange that was sold to me as a marked "L/52" -- but in reality it is marked with a sloppy "L/53."

[Jim Baker]

That's very interesting. The marking on your cross does appear to have a flaw affecting both the 5 and the 3 in the same position. Very observant.

[meriksson]

Yes in that older tread it was totaly wrong for a L/52. But 100 match for L/53 that i did get for some month´s ago, i belive those are a bit rare. Here is a pictuer off my L/53.

[meriksson]

And here is the maker mark also sloppy made. Can any one here show us a EK2 from the same maker, pkz will be 139 if im not wrong. Or show a EK2 whit same frames.

Mikael

[jacques]

Could it be a L/58 ?

[Colorado]

These are L/53's. There is an L/58 on the E-stand now. Look at round corners near the swastika, it shows one of the differences on the obverse.

[George Stimson]

Jeff is right. This type of EK 1 is definitely "L/53." (I wish I had one. )

[meriksson]

Any EK2 whit same type rim or pkz nr George?

Mikael

Jeff is right. This type of EK 1 is definitely "L/53." (I wish I had one. )

[George Stimson]

EK 2s

I've never seen one with the number and I haven't checked the rims of unmarked EK 2s to see if any are the same.

[meriksson]

Ok well the rim for those must be easy to spot. Those lines at every edge.

Any one else???.

Mikael

I've never seen one with the number and I haven't checked the rims of unmarked EK 2s to see if any are the same.

[Frank Heukemes]

Very interesting, Jeff! Good work.