Hessen-Darmstadt, Kriegerehrenzeichen in Eisen

[JensF.]

Hi folks,

look what I've got. Its the nice Kriegerehrenzeichen in Eisen (Warrior-Merit-Badge in Iron) of Hessen-Darmstadt, instituted 1917.

[Rick Research]

Thanks for sharing yet another of the EK1 equivalents that are always confusing the photo guys over on the Wehrmacht Forum. Is your piece made out of real silver? I wonder from the uniform dark gray patina.

Usually the center piece (crown, cypher) is white colored alloy, and the wreath black finished, but I have seen these in all silver. Also pinback (like this one), screwback... for such a scarce award, there are a LOT of varieties!

[JensF.]

Hi,

the laurel-wreath is made of blackened iron and the center insignia ist made of zinc. The piece has got a pinback and is in great condition.

[eric]

This one has a wreath of laquered tombak and center insignia is silver. Screwback is also silver.
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Here's a third shot of the assembly teken apart along with another more common version:

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[ 22 June 2001: Message edited by: eric ]

[Rick Research]

Eric--now THERE's an odd one! Does it look professionally made or owner-improvized?

I think I have seen more varieties of this badge than of all the others combined.