1914 EK1 - is this a maker’s mark?

[John F.]

I was looking over this EK1 and found a mark on the underside of the pin near the hinge. Is this a maker’s mark or a number indicating silver content? I looked at it with a jewelers loop (10x21mm) but was still unable to decipher it. I was wondering if anyone else has seen a cross with a similar mark, or know if is this a normal characteristic on an EK1?

Thanks,
John

[John F.]

The mark in question

[John F.]

The catch & hinge for reference

[gregM]

It is generaly believed that the small marks on the underside of the
pin were used by some companys as a form of quality controll. Judging
from the style of pin, I would guess your cross to be an unmarker "KO"
or possibly a "CD800". either way--it is a fine looking cross.

[Mike Kenny]

Hi John,

You have a nice looking cross. The catch/catchplate are obviously replacements (imo old and nicely done) and unfortunately hide the maker, which could either be "Fr" or "FR" (I may be able to be more specific if I dig my examples out). As Greg has stated, the actual meaning of the marks is unknown but they are probably some form of QC or assemblers mark. Letters, numbers and symbols can be found (yours looks like either a "B" or an "8"). Maybe only 5% or so of crosses may have a mark in this location. Some makers used them on almost all of their pieces, some makers (like KO) almost never did. The marks are of interest but in 99% of examples don't really add any value.

Regards
Mike

[John F.]

Greg & Mike,

Thank you for your time and replies. I learned something new .

Best,
John

[Brian S]

Interesting.

[gregM]

I think Mike is right about the maker being "Fr". I checked it against
my "CD800" and "KO" and noticed that the pin mounting block has a
pronounced dip it it. I searched through some old threads and found a couple other exampls of "Fr" Eks with the same feature.
GOOD EYE, Mike.

The dip in the block------

[regular122]

Looks like Mike wins the prize. The dip, core, crown, W, and numbers all match. Looks like the catch has been replaced. Here's my Friedlander for comparison. My pin is rounded vice pointed. I suspect as the others state that the makers mark is under the replacement catch. Steve