Ek 1813?

[skip]

Hi guys,

not often that you see me posting here I know, but here is a mockup I have done for a German friend of mine, who is selling this medal on German ebay.
I am no expert on EKs, and especially not from this period of time.
All the german collectors here figure this is authentic!
What do you all think?

Skip

[George Stimson]

NOT a Wehrmacht Cross

I think I'm sending this over to Imperial.

[Dez H]

Except for the slightly thinner frames this looks like a 1914 era piece.
However I am no expert on pre 1914 crosses so I would also like to hear opinions from the more knowledgeable.

[George Stimson]

Is the core stepped? It looks like it is.
Here's mine.

[George Stimson]

Back? Front?

Here's the other side.

[Greg S]

George, what would it mean if it were stepped? Would it be easier to date, or period made?

[George Stimson]

Greg,

It's my understanding that the stepped crosses were manufactured earlier, i.e. closer to 1813. I've certainly never seen an 1870 or 1914 EK with a stepped center. Has anyone else?

[Erich B.]

EK book images

I've seen a stepped core Prinzen size 1870 EK II, but never any full size cross other than 1813.
Erich

[skip]

Hi guys,

thanks for the feedback.
Yes the core is stepped. This was also the point that most of my german collector friends looked for, there is no sign of the frame being opened so we think it is originally so.
Looks like he made a good find!!
I take it that there are not many of these around.

Skip

[Doug See]

I "feel better" about an 1813 EK2 with a stepped core and both of these are appear to be good ones. The references I've seen give mixed information about whether stepped core/thin frame versions were the original issue ones (ca. 1813), or the later issues (1820-30). I also remember one reference stating that these particular ones were made by Rothe of Vienna. My opinion is that the ones posted here were the second issue types. Refer to The Iron Time and The Prussian and German Iron Cross by Bowen (a little hard to find, but also an early and good reference).

[Greg S]

Thanks

Thanks for the info guys I didn't know that. Thats a little gem of information.