My First German Iron Cross EK2

[Hagen]

Fun aren't they!! My first EKII is an Imperial, and still is one of my favorites. Congratulations nice looking cross.

[Christopher]

Nice SW!
These are very fun to collect an dcan be addicting.....thats a good thing!

[Ammersee]

As to your ribbon, all I can tell you is look at these pics and decide for yourself. Ammersee

[Ammersee]

good ribbon

[Kelly w]

I agree the ribbon with my future IC does not have the nice destinct looping on both sides.

Do all of you agree to Ammersee's rule of how to identify WW1 ribbons from post war or repro?

Thanks
Kelly

[Don D.]

Yep. Nice cross though.

[Dennis J]

I received your pm and as you can see your ribbon does not have the loops or the 13 ribs so it is a fake(or as the seller s like to say a modern day replacement)If you do a search here you will find a great thread that will show you the difference in these ribbons and you will see what the members are talking about.As Don and the rest have said still a very nice cross.Please remember now a days just because it passes the black light test does not mean it is not a fake.The ribbons that were made during WW2 as replacement ribbons still have the loops.I hope this helps.

Enjoy your hobby
Dennis J

[Kelly w]

Thanks Dennis. Yes that post I saw your info on the ribbon was in 2008.

I got more photos from the seller. NO loops on either side

But has 13 ribs per CM??

[streptile]

I believe there were period original ribbons without loops on both sides. I don't think there is a foolproof way to judge the authenticity of a ribbon from a photo, personally.

[Ammersee]

I believe there were period original ribbons without loops on both sides. I don't think there is a foolproof way to judge the authenticity of a ribbon from a photo, personally.

Indeed, Trevor posted a pic of a medal bar with EK2 and a Hanseatic Cross a couple of weeks ago that had an EK ribbon stitched on both edges. I think that ribbon was unusual but good. I've never seen old ribbon with the single stitched edge. It might exist...I don't know.

The last pic that Kelly posted looks to me just like the repop ribbon I posted. One stitched edge and one with non distinct loops. It's hard to see in Kellys pic but I'm fairly certain that's what it is.

When it arrives, look at the stitched edge with a strong magnifying glass and you will see it is chain stitched with a very thin clear nylon thread...like fine fishing line, but on one edge only. I have many feet of repop ribbon from Germany and it is all like this.

Also, I think this cross and ribbon was sold by a seller in Austin, TX. I've seen him slip this repop ribbon in with a good EK and call it original in the past.
Don't sweat the ribbon, it's the cross that's important and it's a good one.
Ammersee

[Kelly w]

Here is the link from 2008 when Dennis, Don D and Ammersee and others were talking about EK2 ribbon. More great info!

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ght=EK2+ribbon

Now I scared the ebay seller and he wants to cancel deal lol. He has a lot of explaining to do about these fake ribbons. One out of every 3 cross's he sells has this fake new ribbon.

I agree with streptile that a hand on inspection is needed as well. Just that in this example, I can't see a perfet white looking ribbon as pictured being 96 yrs old.

The only test this seller relies on is the UV test. Which is wrong.

[Ammersee]

A UV test can tell you if the ribbon is fake, but it cannot tell you if the ribbon is authentic. Most of the repop ribbon I get from Germany is UV neutral.
Of course he wants to cancel the sale now that you know about the ribbon. He'd rather you didn't get your hands on it to confirm your suspicions.
It's good to see a seller of questionable merchandise squirm a little.
Ammersee

[Kelly w]

Well it's paid for and mailed out. I'll post pics when it arrives. I decided to buy it based on it's mint like condition and your guys approval. If the ribbon is crap, I'll find a period one seperate.

However that won't let the seller off the hook. If it's a crap ribbon He will know about it. And hopefully this will put a stop to his so called original but really modern day ribbons.

[Christopher]

Nice cross

[Kelly w]

Well it's arrived finally in the mail. Can you guys have another peak at ribbon. Ammersee nailed it correctly. One side stiched, the other sorta half loop or maybe stiched as well. Color in real is slightly off white. Medal is a beauty I think!

Thanks

Kelly