Mystery "grave" EKs

[JensF.]

Hi!
Merry Christmas/Frohe Weihnachten from Germany.

Look at this EK1 1914; I was told by another collector (who I trust) it is an original and a so called "grave" EK which was bought by richer families to give a dead soldier instead of his silver EK into his grave.
It is one-piece construction and made of silvered brass. I have another one which is vaulted.
Any comments about "grave" EKs? I have never heard or read about these.






[ 22 December 2001: Message edited by: majorpayne ]

[Rick Research]

I think it is too elaborate for something like that--

certainly no one would have to go to all the trouble of making a normal style pin and catch-- no need to worry about it falling off if it was just going to stay in a coffin!

[Dez H]

Interesting piece indeed, reminds me of one I saw a few years back, was a private purchase piece of a naval officer, non magnetic, brass, one piece with no makers mark. Brass was used instead of Iron, as the salty conditions tend to deteriorate everything virtually overnight. Must have been knocked up by a jeweller I suspect.
I have no doubts it a period piece, from pin assembly and what I can see of the detail on the obverse. Thumbs up.

Cheers

[Yubari]

While searching for some information I found this thread...

Made me laugh so I just wanted to share the "past knowledge"

[gregM]

I always got a kick out of that idea of special brass crosses for the navy.