Ww1 Km Ek1?

[Eric Gaumann]

"This is a nice example of a 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. It is non vaulted. While the paint on the obverse is quite nice overall, there is a small spot or two of very light surface rust. On the reverse we see that the EK has a fine swollen pin. It has the Eagle over M the proof for the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial German Navy). RARE. It is hallmarked "KAG" on the reverse below the pin."

Or so says the ebay seller. I ain't never heard of Kaiserlische Marine markings on an EK (or any other medal). Is this legit oder nicht?

[Tiger 1]

Eric,

If memory serves me right the Eagle M acceptance stamp was used by the Weimar and Third Reich navies. The Kaiserliche Marine used a Crown M device.

I don't know what the mark you have means. Maybe someone here can shed more light on this .

[Vadim K]

I should mention that this cross is being sold by "the82nd". Doug, you around?

Eric, run like hell, this seller is bad news. Deals in fakes, have been expelled from this forum under different names, what, about 48 times now?

[JensF.]

I've never seen a "K.A.G." cross in that style/pin etc. And this stamp "M with crown" was used for weapons like the Luger 04 Marine and NEVER for medals!!!

[Doug See]

I happen to have one of these, although in much nicer shape. (This one might be "aged" to make it look salty i.e. "navy"). I've seen 3 or 4 of these for sale in the past two years. I am not 100% happy with mine. It appears to be an original KO type cross, but the eagle over M doesn't make any sense. The Imperial navy never used an eagle over M, but a crown. It might be a proof stamp for weapons. The KAG also does not look right under magnification. It's almost laser engraved (on mine) with parts of the letter segments overlapping each other. I've seen many many KAG crosses, but none with the mark under the catch (they're usually on the pin), and none that are engraved. (Except mine, which I don't like). I think someone has taken some EK's and stamps and done a little "magic" on these. I've kept mine and not tried to sell it. If it's bad, I'll take my lumps. Others don't share this sentiment. Check this seller's other auctions; I see a Cave Creek 1870 EK2 for sale under a "private auction". I wonder why he doesn't want anyone contacting his bidders????

[Doug See]

Is that "salt" around the edges of the core????? Hmmm............