1914 Ek I Size

[ERIC S.]

Hi Guys,
A quick question for the 1914 EK collectors - a friend of mine just obtained a 1914 EK I - my question is does anyone know of one that measures 46mm high x 46mm wide? This one does - I know from 1914-1918 they were all made by hand so the sizes vary from cross to cross - It is a 3 piece cross - any help would be appreciated!
ERIC

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

I for one would love to see pics of this EK if possible! The only EK that I know of which is in this size range, apart from 1939 RKs which are bigger, are 1939 EK2 "Ubergrosse" variants. I've never seen or heard of an EK this big otherwise, although as you say 1914 EK were certainly not standardised!

Regards
Mike K

[ERIC S.]

Pics

Hi Mike,
I will get it from him over the weekend and will take scans to post here if I can - If not, I'll email them to you!
ERIC

[ERIC S.]

Got The Pics!

Hi Mike,
I got the 1914 EK I here and took some pretty good scans. Please see them at:
http://ourworld.cs.com/Ewstallhelm/1914fr.jpg
http://ourworld.cs.com/Ewstallhelm/1914back.jpg
Let me know your thoughts! Thanks!
ERIC

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Eric,

Nice scans but sorry to say that I think this cross is a repro. Third Reich experience is required here! There have been a recent flood of 1939 EK1s with exactly the same shaped main pin and variously marked L/12, L/54, L/21, 26, L/57, 800 and SS engraved. I have heard they are originating from eastern Europe (?Latvia). I am unsure of their size though as I've never handled one though. I know they are repros though as some European sellers are honest enough to sell them as repros (the 1939 versions anyway). This is the first time I've seen an imperial version though. This is my opinion only and maybe someone else knows differently?

Regards
Mike K

[ERIC S.]

Thanks for the heads up Mike - Is there anyone else with this same opinion? If so, I'll have to break some bad news to my buddy!
Eric

[PaulChep]

I have to concur. I have never seen a larger the 44x44 1914 EK1 or 2

[Eric Stahlhut]

I agree that it is a repro, but I will have to disagree with Mike K about the Latvian angle. This particular type has been coming out of Russia for quite a while. The Latvian repros are a bit different than the type pictured above.

[ERIC S.]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help in this matter. The fakers even got to the Imperial stuff - UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!
ERIC