My First 1914 EK!

[Sal Williams]

Hey Fellows,
I just got my first Imperial award!!! Here it is. Suddenly I realize I have all kinds of questions. Simple ones almost too embarrasing to ask. Here I go anyway, first: I am assuming on an EK2 the obverse is the side that says 1914 correct? Second: The W is for Wilhelm? The FW? Boy do I suddenly notice my complete lack of knowlege! I have Gordon Williamsons book on the way, but does it deal with EK 1939 only? What does the oak cluster(?) stand for? Iknow nossink,...nossink.
Best, Sal

[Sal Williams]

2

[Tom Y]

You're right about Wilhelm. The FW is for Friedrich Wilhelm III, who instituted the award in 1813.
The Oak Leaves " teach you that outstanding strength is in the uniting of all classes in one cause - that of defence, learning, and sustenance in a brootherhood compatible and mild in peace, and brave and courageous in war."
Eylert, Minister of the Berlin Garrison, 1816 (tr.V.E. Bowen)
It was the first truly democratic award, being available to all ranks.

[Sal Williams]

Thanks Tom,
For once my hunches were right! Woooohooooo!
Best, Sal

[Dez H]

Looks like a good EK2 to me, however I feel the ribbon is not original to the piece, at best it could be old stock added to the EK2, at worst it could be a complete repo ribbon. <O</O

[Sal Williams]

Looks like a good EK2 to me, however I feel the ribbon is not original to the piece, at best it could be old stock added to the EK2, at worst it could be a complete repo ribbon. <O</O

Hi Dez,
Thanks, that was Rick L.'s opinion also, but I blacklighted it and no glowing at all. What do you think?
Best, Sal

[stogieman]

Sorry Dez...

...but the ribbon and the cross are both real, and both original. And I'll take it back in a heartbeat if Sal's not happy with it.

[Sal Williams]

...but the ribbon and the cross are both real, and both original. And I'll take it back in a heartbeat if Sal's not happy with it.

Oh No sir! I love it! And when I post some close up pics of the medal itself everyone will see how very nice it is. Hi Rick V. are the two originaly awarded together that way?

Best, Sal

[Dez H]

...but the ribbon and the cross are both real, and both original. And I'll take it back in a heartbeat if Sal's not happy with it.

Hello Rick, I base my comments on the fact that the EK's frames have darkened quite considerably from tarnish yet the ribbon seems minty fresh. All the originals of these I have seen and had in my hand the white will turn a custard yellow colour. I base these comments on the pictures, which as we know can tell a thousand lies, you have had it in your hand.

All the best,
Regards
Dez

[Blitz]

Congrats, Sal! May you have a long prosperous road ahead of you in the Imperials!

[Sal Williams]

Hi Dez,
The picture of the ribbon does not lie it is incredibly clean, its the picture of the medal that is a little deceptive. It is patina-ed but not the dull grey color the pics show. I do admit the ribbon looks much more prestine than the medal but I will try to post better pics of the medal itself so you can see what fine shape it is in. The ribbon passes the black light test with flying colors! I really like it a lot. The price also didn't seem to me as if the ribbon accounted for much of it.

[Sal Williams]

The ring

[Sal Williams]

I tried to lighten up the scan and color it so it would look more like it does in person but i am just not that good with computers yet. In the corners of the frame it has a blueish look turning to a bronzeish look with a sort of overall slight blackness, but not the black color you are seeing in the scan.
Best, Sal

[Sal Williams]

OOOOOOPS! Sorry Ade I accidentally posted a pic of your ultra cute grandson instead of the EK
Best, Sal

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Sal, sorry I missed that Your EK is cute too though!
Cheers, Ade.