Non-combatant 1870 EK2 when and who?

[ddbinks]

I have this 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class with a non-combatant ribbon and it appears to have a painted core rather than blackened. Also, although it's tarnished, the frame seems to have a hint of "frosting" on the beading and a polished outer frame. Can anyone tell me when this cross was made and by whom?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Eric

[streptile]

Good flat large photos of the front of the cross can possibly help ID the frame. To me it looks like a Meybauer from WWI, which would make it a super interesting cross.

[ddbinks]

Good flat large photos of the front of the cross can possibly help ID the frame. To me it looks like a Meybauer from WWI, which would make it a super interesting cross.

Hi Trevor! Does this help?

[ddbinks]

.

[ddbinks]

another one of the back too in case it helps...

[PaulR]

Are the ends of the ribbon joined together? Beautiful condition. Is the ribbon 1870 era too? WOW

[ddbinks]

Are the ends of the ribbon joined together? Beautiful condition. Is the ribbon 1870 era too? WOW

Hi Paul,

Does this scan help answer your question? The ribbon came with the cross and I assume it's from the same time period as the cross itself.

Regards,

Eric

[manayunkman]

Terrific medal.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the EKs of any class or era.

[FbS]

A beautiful example!

[ddbinks]

Thanks for your comments guys!

Best regards,

Eric

[Element7]

[QUOTE=ddbinks;8701230]I have this 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class with a non-combatant ribbon and it appears to have a painted core rather than blackened.

Eric,

I don't think you're core is painted but blackened and I believe you have a Type A core. At least that's what I'm seeing but I am using my phone at the moment. Anyway blackened cores can wear especially on the high spots such as the date, crown etc. and reveal the base metal below which makes it look like worn paint. There has been a lot of 1870 type A's posted recently for comparison and you can read the article below for more info.

http://www.medalnet.net/Iron_Cross_1870.htm

The ribbon looks really good to me but I'm not expert on ribbons or crosses for that matter.

Kind of funny how we're seeing a lot of these Type A's pop up recently. I just bought one off eBay for $95! They sure are a great looking cross so I'll buy them all day at that price.


Regards,
Kirby

[ddbinks]

[QUOTE=Element7;8712950]

I have this 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class with a non-combatant ribbon and it appears to have a painted core rather than blackened.

Eric,

I don't think you're core is painted but blackened and I believe you have a Type A core. At least that's what I'm seeing but I am using my phone at the moment. Anyway blackened cores can wear especially on the high spots such as the date, crown etc. and reveal the base metal below which makes it look like worn paint. There has been a lot of 1870 type A's posted recently for comparison and you can read the article below for more info.

http://www.medalnet.net/Iron_Cross_1870.htm

The ribbon looks really good to me but I'm not expert on ribbons or crosses for that matter.

Kind of funny how we're seeing a lot of these Type A's pop up recently. I just bought one off eBay for $95! They sure are a great looking cross so I'll buy them all day at that price.


Regards,
Kirby

Thanks for your comments and the link Kirby!

You got yourself a great deal on that 1870! The best I've ever done is $180. It was an award-type A core.

Regards,

Eric

[Element7]

Eric,

I certainly would have jumped at $180!

Kirby