Who makes the best EK?

[landsknechte]

As I sit here lovingly fondling my new Godet EK2 that just arrived a couple of days ago, I'm growing increasingly surprised at the variance in quality between different manufacturers...

Setting aside any historical or economic considerations, and judging purely on appearances, who would you say makes the best EK?

[Dez H]

Some of my personal favoriates are Godet, Berlin, Sy & Wagner, Berlin,
Wagner & Sohn, Berlin,

(seems all the quality EK makers resided in Berlin)
There are also some very nice high silver content private purscahse unmarked pieces around which are also very crisp and clear in details.
I have found anything marked 900, 925, 950 and 990 to be of very high quality and early war workmanship.

[stogieman]

I second that!

I think Dez nailed it!
Godet
S&W
W&S
Those would have been my top picks.

[Theodor]

The Latvians!

[landsknechte]

The Latvians!

I suppose I did set myself up for that one.. Really should have been who made instead of who makes. Ah well, that's what I get for posting with too little caffeine in my system..

My 1914 EK collection consists of a whole 4 EKs (1 Godet, 1 Assmann, 1 Sy & Wagner, 1 Hossauer), but out of that narrow field, the S-W is definately the next best looking compared to the Godet.

[Brian S]

Floch.

[Brian S]

Floch.

Personally I like the early unmarked crude version the funny little numbers on the 1914.

[Rich G]

I really like the ones marked CD. They have a really slim frame and superb detail to the core.


Rich

[Klaus O.]

Godet # 1

Dear EK-lovers!

To me the Godet EKs are really difficult to beat in terms of design and elegance. The crown, lettering "W" and "1914" are a bit smaller and the needle system on the reverse is really well finished.

Ciao,

Claudio


P.S.: for comparison I have attached several pictures of different makers.

[Klaus O.]

more ICs...

Two more EK 1. Kl. 1914 for comparison; one marked K.O. and you unmarked but still very nice to me...

[Tony & Kaiser]

I would vote Friedländer. Superb badge, crisp, beautifully put together, elegant features to the hinge, microscopic maker's mark of "Fr". Nicer than my Godet and SW examples. Tony

[stogieman]

Tony got me!

I forgot about Friedlander... a tad obscure, but absolutely gorgeous stuff! Good choice!

[Klaus O.]

Tony, Rick,

Do you have a picture to share of a "Friedländer"? I would interested in seeing one...

Ciao,

Claudio

[Tony & Kaiser]

Tony, Rick,

Do you have a picture to share of a "Friedländer"? I would interested in seeing one...

Claudio,
I was actually trying to take photos of my cased Friedländer, but my Kodak Digital camera is a piece of crap. Notwithstanding the lousy overall quality of the photos it takes, I need one with an Uber-Macro to zoom in on the microscopic maker's mark. I'll see if someone at work can take some photos for me and I'll post them. Tony

[JensF.]

A nearly mint Wagner & Sohn :