Despite trying fiscal times, I could not resist this item when I saw it on the Estand. It's an EK1 screwback that uses the two post system and the large circular backing plate. In addition this one has the unknown square punch mark on it, which made it more appealing to me. The cross is in decent shape but has a few condition issues with a piece missing off the nine o'clock arm and a small frame seperation. Nothing serious. Does anyone know why all those small holes are drilled in the backing plate? Is it to sew the plate onto a jacket and then attach the EK?
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The rear with the plate attached. All the hardware is present, which is nice. -
Without the plate, showing the square punch mark.Comment
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The front again, without the plate. The plate attached really gives these things a great look from the front.Comment
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Another view.Comment
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This is the fourth Iron Cross I have picked up with this square punch marked on it. Here they all are.Comment
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That is a beautiful cross
Great detail, nice color to the core
and the finish to the large disc just adds to it. This is a cross I would
be proud to own.
It looks like the crown is typical CD800 and it also looks like it
has the "dots" on the inner corner that is also typical of CD800
marked crosses.Comment
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The rear of these square punch marked pieces, showing the variety of attachments these and the Imperial EKs generally come with. There's an EK2 also, stamped on the ring. The core of that one is zinc.Comment
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Without the attachments, where applicable.Comment
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Thanks Greg. I have always liked this attachement system. If you look at the pin back I have posted here after, you will see the hardware is very similar to that used one the CD800 pieces. I have heard other collectors theorize on a connection between the square punch and CD800 marked EKs.Originally posted by gregM View PostThat is a beautiful cross Great detail, nice color to the core
and the finish to the large disc just adds to it. This is a cross I would
be proud to own.
It looks like the crown is typical CD800 and it also looks like it
has the "dots" on the inner corner that is also typical of CD800
marked crosses.Comment
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Not strictly relevant but here is a Bavarian pilot badge and Observer by same maker (square punch) Ferg1
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Those are great badges. Is the maker of these badges known? The square punch or mark may be a quality control mark, but was it used by only one maker? If so I guess it could still be considered a maker's mark as it is exclusive and will identify the maker when we see it.Comment
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Another possibilty might be that it is a retailers stamp. We know that
several makers offered there items through other retailers. Could it
be that a retailer stamped the items that passed through their hands?Comment
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We know we have 3 different markings at crosses with this setup. First the CD 800- for sure an awarded model. 3 different ways of stampings,two variations of hinges.Always flat,no pin variations,no screwbacks. Then we've got our friend here-the "square" marked crosses.This time two core variations(thanks Mike),pinback,screwback and double screw with big washer. All of them are vaulted! And the last parts of this family-the same crosses marked with "800"!
From what I have in my own collection the frames are always the same! So...Either CD 800 had marked different series in different ways( I prefer his theorie) or they have sold parts to another manufacturer.If you would ask me I would vote for theory 1-the CD800 are awarded pieces-the other variations where private purchased ones,that could be the answer of the different markings.Pure speculation by me........And a beautyfull EK,Steve! It looks better than mine....
MichaComment
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Interesting thread--
I just checked my large backplate "800" marked cross against Steve's
square punch cross and they appear to be a match and it looks to match
my CD800 pinback. I had never made the connection before.
Could it be that this particular style of large backplate was specific
to one manufacturer?Comment
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