EK1 with wire loops

[Dietrich Maerz]

Gentlemen,

I need your help. I'm not very knowledgable at all about Imperial EK's. Is this real or just another phantasy piece? The core is magnetic and it's of 3 piece construction.

Thanks for your help!

Dietrich

[Dietrich Maerz]

... and the unusual reverse!

[Dietrich Maerz]

.. and the even more unusual maker mark.

I don't have the piece in hand so thats all I know.

Dietrich

[Tiger 1]

IMO the EKI may be original but the fixtures and the marks on the back look to have been added to enhance "collectors" value after original manufacture. Not for my collection.

Tony

[Dietrich Maerz]

Hi Tony,

if it's added, would one not see at least the remnants of the original pin system? Any idea about the MM?

Dietrich

[Tiger 1]

Dietrich,

I sent you an e-mail about my concerns about this cross.

The hinge and catch can be removed and the backplate can be polished to show no previous signs of attachment. It basically comes down to the skill and care that the craftsman wants to apply to his work.

The backplate shows some unusual swirls and the rings show a bluish tint where the soldering(?) was done. There seems to be no flux residue and the bluish tint to the backplate suggests an electrical induction 'welding' versus a true flux and solder method.

The stamped marks are indiscriminately placed, almost as an afterthought. The double acorn mark I'm not familiar with. It may be a form of a commercial silversmith's stamp. Maybe someone else can further research this avenue of thought. There also looks to be a distinct difference in the age patina at the bottom of the 800 mark compared to the two marks to the right of it.

I'm not very confident that this EK left the factory this way or that the "enhancements' are period done. JMO.

Tony

[George Stimson]

To me it just doesn't make sense.

[Tiger 1]

Exactly!

[gregM]

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