A First Class Case question

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

A recent arrival is an old case, probably for a Prussian EK1 (wear on the velvet-like base suites the size of an EK1). The case is black with a non-magnetic dull grey (?zinc) push button, steel catch and steel hinge. There is a nicely formed decal on the top of the lid, however the centre has been damaged (maybe even deliberately) although just above the lower cross arm I can make out what appears to be "1914/15" (definitely not just 1914). The inner top liner is white silk (padded) but the lower liner is medium to dark BLUE velvet. There is a formed recess for a pinback which is arranged more like an Imperial Juncker Pilot's Badge case than a standard EK1 case with the slit formed in the lower insert. I've tried fitting all my 1914 EK1s into it (marked G, CD 800, KAG, HBG, 800 v, S-W, KO, FR, Fr., AWS and a couple of other vaulted 800 examples) but didn't get a nice snug fit. If anyone has a similar case, what came in it and was it marked?

Regards
Mike K

[Dez H]

Hello Mike

I would still say your case is for a 1914 Iron Cross. I can not think of any other Prussian decoration that would fit this case. I have seen varying shades of velvet in these, even a deep dark blue. I can only assume that though use or abuse the velvet is damaged in a way that the EK no longer sits snugly.


Regards
Dez

[Sonderkommando]

Hi Mike,
I agree with Dez, it is definately an EK1 case from 1914/15. Maybe it has been water damaged causing the cardboard in the base to go out of shape a bit, and if it was in a damp enviroment with something stored on top of it, that may explain the damage to the decal on the lid. Still a nice, early example of a case.

Brett

[Mike Kenny]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your responses. I've examined the case fairly carefully and there are no obvious signs of deformation or of water damage. The lower insert feels like it is of the wooden type (hard and flat) so I think the shaped slot to house the main pin has not changed in shape/size much at all. My search will continue - a good excuse to obtain more 1914 EK1 variants!!

Regards
Mike K

[Eric Stahlhut]

This is what you are looking for

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[Eric Stahlhut]

Super-high vault

marked .935 in center, with extra thick order-style catch, and worked pin.

[Eric Stahlhut]

closed

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[Eric Stahlhut]

case open

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[Eric Stahlhut]

case closed!

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[Mike Kenny]

Hi Eric,

Most impressive! Many thanks. The search is now on!!

Regards
Mike K