What is this?

[Allan P.]

My first posting on this forum!!

A friend of mine has asked me to get some information on this!

There is a story attached to this, but to begin with what your initial reaction?

Thanks,

Allan

[Allan P.]

reverse

[David Müldner]

It is similar to Hindenburgs Grosskreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Goldenen Strahlen, looks like its silver or something though. I thoght Hindenburg was the only one awarded this!!

reverse

[stogieman]

Blücher Star

This is a reproduction. There's thousands of the reproductions. Not even a close reproduction, at that.

[Wild Card]

Alan -

There is an interesting aspect to this particular piece. The Hindenburg star is a descendent of the “Blücher” star which was created in 1815 (both of which, as Stogieman points out, there is an abundance of fakes referred to by sellers as "museum" or "display" copies). Both are similar in form - a Prussian style eight pointed star upon which is mounted an 1813 (Blücher) or 1914 (Hindenburg) Iron Cross. I believe that these stars were additions to previously awarded Grand Crosses of the Iron Cross.

Now, it seems that there were about eight Grand Crosses of the 1870 edition of the Iron Cross awarded; but, as near as I can tell, no stars. The piece shown here clearly has an 1870 cross on it; so if the above information and assumptions are correct, what we have is a copy of a piece that never existed. At the same time, while the 1815 and 1914 copies are quite abundant, this is the first 1870 piece/copy I’ve ever seen.

Thanks for sharing - interesting.

Wild Card

[David Müldner]

Is it just me or are the horizontal arms of the cross somewhat out of propportion?

Alan -

There is an interesting aspect to this particular piece. The Hindenburg star is a descendent of the “Blücher” star which was created in 1815 (both of which, as Stogieman points out, there is an abundance of fakes referred to by sellers as "museum" or "display" copies). Both are similar in form - a Prussian style eight pointed star upon which is mounted an 1813 (Blücher) or 1914 (Hindenburg) Iron Cross. I believe that these stars were additions to previously awarded Grand Crosses of the Iron Cross.

Now, it seems that there were about eight Grand Crosses of the 1870 edition of the Iron Cross awarded; but, as near as I can tell, no stars. The piece shown here clearly has an 1870 cross on it; so if the above information and assumptions are correct, what we have is a copy of a piece that never existed. At the same time, while the 1815 and 1914 copies are quite abundant, this is the first 1870 piece/copy I’ve ever seen.

Thanks for sharing - interesting.

Wild Card

[Rendsburg]

The story, Allan.

Please,
Otto

[stogieman]

your seeing.......

............. the distortion of the "cross" from the curvature/shape of the star.
In addition, the phrase "cross" is used loosely as it's not even a good facsimile of an original 1870 EK.

[Allan P.]

The story, Allan.


Please,
Otto

Hi Otto,

The story is that this 'piece' was in the possession of a distant relative of Von Blucher.

There is even supposed to be some paperwork associating it with Von Blucher!!!

If the paperwork comes to light I'll let you know.

Allan