1870 Grand Cross Fake

[NormWimpy]

I found this offered on German e-bay. Based on the Buy now price I think it's probably a fake, can I get an opinion from someone?


http://cgi.ebay.de/Grosses-EISERNES-...QQcmdZViewItem

Had to link this, I'm new and don't know how to post pictures.

Thanks!
Norm

[ekhunter]

No, it's not real, and I can pretty much gaurentee you that you will never find a real Grand Cross for sale on E-bay. I've seen one 1914 Grand Cross for sale in Stefan's (sp.)Catalog about 20 years ago. I think it was a "pillow cross". I've seen the burned ones from 39 that Detlev had, and I've seen two in person (1870 & 1914) at the Burg Hohenzollern in Hechingen, Germany. I consider myself lucky seeing those two, but to see a real one on e-bay, sorry no chance.

[regular122]

Norm,

That one looks like a soft alloy and appears to be a single piece casting. There are some fairly nice multi-construction fakes out there that make good display fillers. But you probably won't find them for under $75.00. Steve

[NormWimpy]

Thanks, I appreciate the help and the knowledge.
Norm

[Peter Wiking]

The piece is junk.

Peter

[Marc Garlasco]

Is the core dark chocolate? YUM!
Marc

[Mark Holmes]

Im no expert , Yet . But i think the price says it all...

[Peter Wiking]

Im no expert , Yet . But i think the price says it all...

Price has nothing to do with it. Focus on the piece. Always the piece.

Peter

[gregM]

Let me think--there were what, 5 ever awarded. Maybe there is a chance one will show up on ebay

[Wild Card]

Greg, I’m not sure but I think that there were nine. In checking, I find von Moltke,von Goeben, Karl prince of Prussia, Albert crown prince of Saxony, von Werder, von Manteuffel,Friedrich Wilhelm crown prince of Prussia, Friedrich Franz of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and of course Kaiser Wilhelm I. I could be wrong, as I always thought that there were around five.

[gregM]

9 is right. ----That almost doubles the chance of finding one

[ekhunter]

9 is right. ----That almost doubles the chance of finding one

That's the spirit! At least you got a chance!