Could I get some opinions on this Imperial EK1 please? It looks good to me but I'd like to be sure.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0630&rd=1&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0630&rd=1&rd=1
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No way. -
Concerns
Hello James...in my opinion the EKI is not an original period award. I primarily base that on a review of the reverse hardware. It does not conform to any known originals I have handled. However, I still have much to learn myself so it would be best to await the opinions of members more experienced that I.
Regards,
StuComment
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Any way to get out of an e-bay auction if you end up as the highest bidder? Geez, I thought that the pin looked ok in comparison to some that I've researched here.. 
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Hello James...I cannot advise on the EBay question as I don't use that service. However, please keep in mind my limited expertise. I suspect the more experienced members are at the SOS which I believe is on now, so it may take a little longer than usual to get a more informed response.
Regards,
StuLast edited by Stu W; 02-24-2007, 01:51 AM.Comment
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Unless you bid some ridiculously high amount somebody will outbid you.Originally posted by Jgeary View Post Any way to get out of an e-bay auction if you end up as the highest bidder? Geez, I thought that the pin looked ok in comparison to some that I've researched here.. Thanks,
Eric GaumannComment
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Thanks for the link Sadlad. Hopefully somebody will outbid me.
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OK guys, I will play devils advocate on this piece. It sure shows many signs of an authentic KO. The crown matches, the 'W' has the middle arc slightly shorter. The nine has the right 'hook' at the bottom. The '4' is open and on the 'edge.' The back has the straight pin with point that extends beyond the hook. The hook looks like other KOs. I would love to hear the reasons why this cross is not good. Sure, we all look at engraving and go, 'Yeah, right.' But this engraving even has darker silver tarnish inside unlike so many boguds pieces. What am I missing here (and it could be plenty!
)? Steve
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Here is a side-by-side for the discussion above. SteveComment
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I do not like this cross. It might be an original piece but if it is, it is a
very poor quality one. IMO the crowns do not match but you have to remember that KO used 2 or 3 different cores. The beaded edge of the cross looks much thicker with poorly defined ridges to the beading. Also the pin is wider, thicker then the originals I have seen. A few months
ago there was a whole rash of fake EK1s on ebay with the same or almost
the same looking pin. NOW we get to the patina. The patina on the back
of the cross looks to be chemically done. It looks too much like water spots for my taste. AS for the engraving---Who knows??????? It might have been done 80 years ago or 8 months ago.
This is not a cross I would chance over $200 on. I might be wrong
but for $200 I would find a nicer example after all--KO crosses are about
the most common of all the maker marked Imperial EKs.
Just my 2 cents worthComment
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Further to last
I will expand upon my previous comments as well because it's a good learning experience for me.
When compared to other KO I see a distinct difference in 3 areas.
Size and placement of the hinge mechanism. The EBay cross appears to have a smaller and lower mounted almost "light duty" hinge.
The EBay cross pin appears very thick, cylindrical and with an evenly tapered point. More even and with a more abrupt tapering to the point than I have seen on other KO. I have also seen the pins extend well beyond the base of the 6 o'clock arm on original KO.
The catch on the EBay cross appears to be lighter, almost wire like. Different than those I have seen on known authentic KO.
Maybe it's my eyes or their pictures but it's not one I am comfortable with because of those reasons. Certainly am sorry if my comments have caused you any stress. As I said earlier the experienced members will be along soon and educate us both further.
Regards,
StuLast edited by Stu W; 02-24-2007, 04:33 PM.Comment
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Is the core magnetic? Is ek1 three piece construction?Comment
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Hi,
Everyone so far is making the assumption that the KO marking is good. Personally I think this particular KO marking is as suspect as the engraving - look to the raised edges around the lettering, something that is seen on those wierd KO & eagle stamped probably repros.
Greg, I agree with your comments on the possible chemical ageing (sorry James, I had noted it but I forgot to mention this I think). The chemical aging may be indicative of an out-and-out fake OR it may have been used to hide a new engraving. I've seen more than one fake engraving given away by shiny fresh metal on a near black patinaed cross!
Re the cross itself, I would not be so quick to write it off. The core detail is OK but I can't tell from the pics whether it is actually 3-piece - if it is, it almost looks re-painted as I can't see a gap between the beading and the core. There are similar cores and similar "short" "KO-like" hardware on non-KO crosses - I just can't tell if this might me one of them spuriously marked from these pics (and the fact I'm away from my collection at the moment).
Regards
MikeRegards
Mike
Evaluate the item, not the story and not the seller's reputation!
If you PM/contact me without the courtesy of using your first name, please don't be offended if I politely ignore you!Comment
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With so many question marks why bother? You should be able to find an actual KO marked piece for less if you stay patient, try the estand etc. These are the most common of the EK1's and can be had in text book examples for less money.Comment
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