Book - Iron Cross of 1939 by Gordon Williamson

[Spitfire]

I know that there has been a previous post on books specificlly dealing with the Iron Cross, but I'll add my two cents worth here anyway. I have just read my copy of the "Iron Cross of 1939" by Gordon Williamson, and was very impressed with not only the content and pictures, but also the high quality of the book - an excellent publication Gordon.

I have one question though, the infamous L15 IC is mentioned in the book - has there ever been a final verdict on the validity of these L15 marked IC's. I still see them for sale on some reputable dealer's sites form time to time, so somebody must feel that these are "authentic".

Gordon (and others that contibuted to the "Iron Cross of 1939") what are your thoughts on the L15?

Thanks, Al

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Al,

All you have to do is spot the differences between the original L15 in Gordon´s book and the obvious L15 fakes by Floch.

The most obvious are:

-round corners of the frame near the swaz on originals
-wider, different catch on originals
-different beading of the frame
-frosting to the frame

Cheers, Frank

[Gordon Williamson]

The Floch produced L15 crosses are well made but lack the quality of finish of originals. To me the most obvious difference is the metal itself. Floch used a nickel which has a distinct yellow tinge to it. The frames tend to be a little "raw" and there is absolutely no trace of white frosting to the ribbed inner portion of the frame, even on otherwise excellent condition crosses and there are certainly enough differeces, as Frank has pointed out, to differentiate between good ones and bad..

[Spitfire]

Thanks...

.... Frank and Gordon for the speedy responses and answers to my question.

This information will help myself and I am sure many others on the forum to identify the fakes in future shows.

Unfortunately I once was the holder of a fake Floch L15, but was lucky enough to return it to the seller in exchange for an "authentic" maker marked "6." IC.

Al Ross

[Bagel]

Does Gordon have (access) to any copies of his book and/or know of any ways to get hold of a reasonably priced copy? If there's a new edition on the way, I wouldn't mind waiting for it, but the only copies I'm seeing floating around out there right now are going for $240+ US...

[Stu W]

Alternate

Hello,

Gordon's book seldom comes available and when it does it's costly. Another of our members has recently published his updated version of a fine book on EK. It is The Iron Time: A History of the Iron Cross by Stephen Thomas Previtera. It can be ordered here...

http://www.winidorepress.com/banner_links/about_us.html

Kind Regards,
Stu