EK for the Navy?

[Theodor]

Hi guys,

As far as I know, there were brass EKs made for all branches of the armed forces. One guy claims, that the brass were made specially for the German Navy, because the iron and the silver would react badly to the sea/ocean climate. Am I wrong thinking that he is wrong? Actually what was the reason for the brass awards - sortage of silver?

[franki]

Hello,

Ref. reason of the brass core: I think it has had financial reasons. Brass was better in the handling.

Though it is particular has been made for the Navy I venture to disbelieve it.
Why?
Well, it can be accidentally but my grandfather was a regular Warrent Officer in the Royal Navy and an EK2 holder. This EK is still in family property and has an iron core as usual.
But these all can also be the famous exeption.

Best Franki

[Daniel Murphy]

The brass, or probably more correctly bronze, versions of the Iron Cross 2nd Class are late war or post war made pieces. Supplies of silver for jewelers, for the most part, dried up in late 1917. At this time the makers substituted other materials for the frames. I have seen frames of nickel silver, silver plated brass and silver plated steel. I would say these are the late WW1 pieces since they were still three part construction and of high quality. Many people do not know, however, that Iron Crosses were still being awarded until 1924. Most of these were late awards for WW1 service, but I would bet some were awarded to to Reichswehr troops for service during the unrest which continued in Germany until about 1923. Since there was a severe depression with massive inflation during this time in which the naval blockade was still in force, the German government had to find a way to make these that was less expensive. Here is where the two piece and one piece bronze EK 2's come into the picture. Even though new dies for stamping them would be reqired, these could be made much more cheaply than the standard 3 piece. Once they were silver or nickel plated and the center painted, they were fairly good looking pieces. However the years have not been as kind to them as it has their brothers. Most are found with little or no plating and paint and have not been helped by those who have polished them to "make them prettier". Personally I like them and I think that anyone who collects the variations and does not have at least one in their display case is missing out. I have five, 2, 2 piece and 3 single piece.
Dan Murphy

[jani_tiainen]

Very interesting!

I have been waiting for the first reference to show that non-iron EK's would be sort of Navy decorations - and it seems that the story is just a legend....

...though using non-iron crosses on thunderstorm on the deck of Battleship would have been wise... but do you have to wear them on your raincoat

Jani