KvK_1 - L/18

[all1knew]

Hello all,

This came in the mail today. Here we have a L/18 marked B.H. Mayer (also 26 as a maker code)

There is plenty silver wash over the zinc base. Also, I don't know why, but in some areas there is what looks like gold spray which is just plain weird. Anyhow, I thought you would like to view this one.

Thank you.

William Kramer

[all1knew]

2

Hello again,

The construction on this example is just superb and the details are awesome. There is no extra blobs around the sword handles as found in some KvK_1's. One thing that I noticed which may be hard to see in the photos is that the lower loops around the wreath are slightly to the left and not straight with the top three loops......perhaps you can tell in this photo.

Hope you enjoy and can see what I am talking about. Do any of you out there have a 26 or L/18 marked cross with this same feature? Please let me know either way. Thank you.

William Kramer

[all1knew]

3

Hello again,

In the axis history forum I posted this item as well and a member believes that the swastika was removed at one time and recently replaced. Is there any evidence that this has happened to my cross?

Please let me know either way. Thank you.

William Kramer

[all1knew]

4

4

[Frank Heukemes]

Nice and that swastika has always been there.

[all1knew]

Nice and that swastika has always been there.

Frank,

Now, I know that you know your stuff and have written about the subject before so I wanted to ask something. Have you ever seen L/18 KvK's with the wreat off-centered like this one before? Also, any comments on the gold tone spray in the middle? Please let me know either way and thank you for the compliment.

William Kramer

[Frank Heukemes]

Hi William,

The confusing thing with zinc awards of BH Mayer in general is that several very different setups were used. In the case of the KVK, it can be observed that the crosses with this specific pin (similar to the one on their "26" marked EKs) and the maker mark in this specific location have the lower wreathband slightly off center while the ones with the other setups have it perfectly centered. Very good reason to assume that BH Mayer made these with two sets of dies, while this maker mark positon always seems to be connected with the off center wreathband die.
No reason to worry, L/18 KVK are quite rare and IMO very desirable.

[Frank Heukemes]

Here is one exactly like yours:

[Frank Heukemes]

rev

[all1knew]

yup

Hello Frank,

Thank you very much. Is it safe to say that this one was issued and worn only slightly as well?

William Kramer

[Frank Heukemes]

Here is the other type with centered wreathbands, usually with this setup and the different maker mark location. Notice that we talk only zinkers here, the L/18 Tombak crosses are even different.

[Frank Heukemes]

rev2

[Frank Heukemes]

It is a little bit like this, BH Mayer loves to mess with your mind:

[Darrell]

Wow ... great displays Frank. You can really see the link of the above badges to the known two variation reverse setups of the "26" Ek1s

[Don D.]

I told you it was ok William.