Two New Parade Mount EK2s. IW & EW

[Steve Campbell]

It seems like a long time since I picked up a new maker marked Imperial EK2, because quite frankly it's getting harder to find makers I don't have. However, I do have a little side collection of single parade mounted EK2s going, which is currently up to six examples. Whenever I see a decent example at a fair price I grab it if I can. I was purchasing an EK1 from a dealer and I saw these two available. I usually don't care if the single mounts are maker marked or not and even though there was no mention of marks in the sales description, I could see that at least one of them was marked. I assumed it would one of the usual gang of suspects, you know KO, KAG S-W or UR (unreadable). I never asked and just left it as a surprise for when they arrived. Well not only were these examples in top condition, with great looks they were both marked clearly with not one but two makers I do not have in my collection, and ones I don't believe you see that often, because I'm constantly looking. What a bonus! The marks were IW and EW, with the W in that one only slightly not struck. These are both great examples in my mind. First up the IW

[Steve Campbell]

The rear of the IW.

[Steve Campbell]

Her's the full view with the mounting device.

[Steve Campbell]

Here's the rear showing the device particulars. This one appears to have some fabric added to what I feel is a commercially made device, because it has similar hardware to other ones I've seen. Perhaps, these plates were available bare, with the recipient responsible to add the proper ribbon and medal, because underneath the blue fabric it appears to have a homemade type stiching. Does anyone have any information on how these were done?

[Steve Campbell]

Here's the EW, another nice one.

[Steve Campbell]

The rear of the EW.

[Steve Campbell]

The full view with the mounting device.

[Steve Campbell]

Here's the rear. This mounting device looks completly homemade. It's a plate, with a safety pin soldered on and a sharp pin for the medal also soldered on. The sewing for the ribbon can also be seen. I like this personal touch that was obviously done by the veteran. You really get to touch a piece of history when you handle an item like this.

[Brian S]

nice mounted crosses

[Scott C.]

Those are beauties Steve - great condition and patina.

[Steve Campbell]

Those are beauties Steve - great condition and patina.

Thanks guys. I did really well here. Added to my parade mount collection, picked up two new maker marks I never had, and both are very nice to boot.