Pillow Back Ek-1

[gregM]

Did anybody happen to see the pillow-back EK-1 on e-bay?
( # 2184005911 )

What do you think, good or not ? It looked good to me but
the pictures are small and I'm no expert.

Thanks,
gregM

[Tom Y]

It's academic now, since the auction has ended, but you're right, you can't tell much from the pix. From at least one of his past auctions I'd have my doubts, plus I've never seen a screwback version. If anyone has one, could you post a scan?

[Tiger 1]

Tom,

I didn't see the "pillowback" listed on ebay but I do have what's been termed a "waffleback" with a screwback in my collection.

If you have Harrald Geissler's book " Das Eiserne Kreuz von 1813 bis heute" an example of the back I have is on page 99 at the very top. If not "The Iron Time' by Previtera shows a double screwback example at the top of page 191.

I guess I'll have to send you some more photos ;>). EK's this time!

[Tom Y]

This is the one I'm talking about. Detlev calls it "upholstered". A rose by any other name...

[Eric Stahlhut]

The firm of AWS made EK1's and other awards with several types of attachments including a screwback.

Anybody ever figure out who they were, and what city?

[Tiger 1]

That's the same type of back, Tom. I'll send along a picture of my screwback.

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

To answer Greg's initial question, the EK1 on eBay looked OK from the images. I'm not so sure if the screwdisk is original to the cross though. I've seen screwback pillow-backs before, so no alarm bells on that point imo.

Tom's posted an image of an AWS marked EK1 (the AWS was raised and has worn away though imo).

For Eric, YES, I found out who AWS was and where they were based! Can I remember off hand though - no! There was a little viewed thread a month or more ago dealing with an unknown ?Freikorps award (turned out to probably be a returned serviceman's award). It was made by AWS and came in a case with the full maker's label. I think I wrote the maker down on that thread. I can forward an image of the label when I get home (sometime next week) if you like.

Regards
Mike K

PS: To save you searching;

AWS = A Werner & Sohne, Munze, Berlin S.W. 68, Alexandrinenstr. 14 - umlats over the u in Munze and o in Sohne

[JensF.]

On Weitzes page somewere I read that AWS means "Armee-Warenhaus", but your identification makes much more sense. Do you know more EK 1914 makers?

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Jens,

I can guarantee the full maker for AWS that I specified above is correct. The label included the stylised AWS in crest logo. The hinge/pin/catch on the ?veteran's? cross was exactly the same as on the AWS 1914 EK1s as well.

As for other Imperial maker's, I remember a huge list was compiled by forum members a long time ago. A search may find it.

Regards
Mike K

[JensF.]

Thanks! I think this was my list But I always search for more unknow makers to identify. Yours helped me!

[gregM]

pillow or waffle ?

I don't know if the correct name for this EK was pillow back
or waffled.-------sorry for the confusion.

If you check out the thread left by " HANNIBAL " last
dated 3-10-2003 you will see a couple very nice examples
of this cross. The name pillowback was used there.

I bought the EK listed on e-bay. when I receive it , I will
try to talk one of you into posting pictures for me.

Thanks-
gregM

[Don D.]

This one just flew in, a nice pin back AWS EK1. That is not rust on the core but brown lint from whatever it was stored in.

[Don D.]

The reverse.

[gregM]

Nice looking cross Don. Very sharp clear makers mark.
Is it silver or maybe brass? I know AWS made a lot of brass
framed EKs.

BTW--I started this thread 3 years ago. I think this was my first ever post.

[Don D.]

Plated brass I beleive. Not a whole lot of good threads on this maker to be found.