recommended dealer sos 1870 IC FC

[Justin]

I will be attending the SOS for the first time this year. My main goal is to pick up a nice 1870 Iron Cross First Class. I have read and re read articles and post about them and the wonderful counterfeits that are so prevalent. My question is what dealers do you recommend going to to find one? Most dealers say they have a full money back guarantee if the item is not original however getting them to follow up on it is a much more difficult task. I am a firm believer in getting what you pay for. I avoid the parking lot deals, 50% below market buy it now ebay sales and the like but sometimes still end up with questionable items. Thanks in advance.

[gregM]

Weitz has a couple on his site right now. Purhaps he will have them at the
SOS.

[streptile]

Weitz has a couple on his site right now. Purhaps he will have them at the
SOS.

True enough. Weitze has a Type A (or had, not sure if it's still there) for €500 that I'd buy myself in a heartbeat if I didn't have one already. I'd say any of the big Hamburg dealers are a good bet.

[gregM]

True enough. Weitze has a Type A (or had, not sure if it's still there) for €500

For a 1st class. If that were true I would already own it. The two I saw
were 3500 Euro and 4800 Euro. Nice crosses buts that's more than
I paid for my car.

[Darrell]

For a 1st class. If that were true I would already own it. The two I saw
were 3500 Euro and 4800 Euro. Nice crosses buts that's more than
I paid for my car.

I was going to say ...

People try to sell 1939 Juncker EK1's for almost $1000 .....

[streptile]

For a 1st class. If that were true I would already own it. The two I saw
were 3500 Euro and 4800 Euro. Nice crosses buts that's more than
I paid for my car.

Oh yeah, sorry. I didn't understand what "FC" stood for, and obviously didn't read the postings carefully enough. An 1870 EK1 should go for around €3500, I'd think.

[Justin]

derrittmeiste has a nice one for 2100.00 I am thinking about picking up if I dont see a great one at the show

[Don D.]

I'd seek opinions on any 1870 EK1 before plunking down the money.

[Justin]

yes but who do you trust? ive seen a lot of forum members say things were bad on this site that have been collecting for less than a week. Most dealers will not tell you their true opinions on other dealers items. Hard to find someone that is extremely knowledgeable and honest at the same time. There are a few people here that seem to know quite a bit about 1870's First classes but i unfortunately I cant take them with me.

This is the one I was looking at
http://www.derrittmeister.com/productpages/09620.htm

I believe it is a post war private purchase.

I work in the field of collectibles (coins) I know how the game is played better than most but I must tell you I find the majority of military dealers to be some of the worst people.



As always thanks in advance.

[Don D.]

I'm sure some of the resident expert will be along to provide you all the info you need to know.

[streptile]

This is the one I was looking at
http://www.derrittmeister.com/productpages/09620.htm

That one is at the very least messed with (replaced catch and repaint). From the photos, it's hard to say if it's 100% original, but if it is, it's a Type B.

[Biro]

There are only two types you can be absolutely 100% sure of.

The first and most prized is probably the Wagner.

Study these pics (or print them out) and take them with you.

Although the Wagners have a couple of different but perfectly acceptable reverse pin set-ups, the most sought after would be the early thin needle type (as seen below).

Given you don't have quite the confidence you probably should have when looking to drop between €4000 & €5000 - and that's what a good condition Wagner or marked Godet will cost you - then I would suggest if it dosen't look EXACTLY like this, forget it...

[Biro]

Reverse...

[Biro]

And the extremely important (and value enhancing) maker mark...

[Biro]

A good Godet will cost you slightly less (only slightly) so I would suggest one that looks exactly like this, with good sharp obverse features..