Interesting EK1

[Ron P]

I just got this from a fellow forums member. It is solid one piece non-magnetic with an oversized ribbon. I am guessing TR era? All opinions welcome. Ron.

[Ron P]

2

[George Stimson]

It looks like there's a mark on the ring in the pic in post # 2. Is there?

[Ron P]

Hi George. No. It looks like solder. There is no mm. Ron.

[Kraal]

Hi Ron!

Sorry, bad news, its fake.

In short- (I guess) it´s a one piece copy of soft metal, the "frame" shows rests of production wastes in the knees or misses material on the 9 o clock arm, the paint is a typical modern paint as well found on the modern Ebay-Copies. Even if "core" details are sharp, the rest of the cross is a very poor, strange and rough production with fake patina and wear-affects. It isn´t a "self bought" piece, a patriotic one, a trench made piece or anything like this either. Without an original photo that shows the wearer and (that, and only that!) cross clearly, never buy such things (it´s a similar story with Knights Crosses that are made out of an EK2, without a perfect photo they should always be considered as nowadays converted EK2).

And all confirmed one piece constructions don´t look like even close to this.

Shame on the WAF member who sold it to you as an original period piece.


greetings
Kraal

[Ron P]

Hi Ron!

Sorry, bad news, its fake.

In short- (I guess) it´s a one piece copy of soft metal, the "frame" shows rests of production wastes in the knees or misses material on the 9 o clock arm, the paint is a typical modern paint as well found on the modern Ebay-Copies. Even if "core" details are sharp, the rest of the cross is a very poor, strange and rough production with fake patina and wear-affects. It isn´t a "self bought" piece, a patriotic one, a trench made piece or anything like this either. Without an original photo that shows the wearer and (that, and only that!) cross clearly, never buy such things (it´s a similar story with Knights Crosses that are made out of an EK2, without a perfect photo they should always be considered as nowadays converted EK2).

And all confirmed one piece constructions don´t look like even close to this.

Shame on the WAF member who sold it to you as an original period piece.


greetings
Kraal

Hi Kraal. I appreciate your input but I'm not so sure you are right. This came out of a hotel buy in New Jersey (which certainly doesn't guarantee authenticity). The member who sold it to me is an old,old friend who is well known on the forum and very knowledgeable. It was examined in hand by John Telemanich, a dealer and forum member who is also very knowledgeable and he saw no red flags. Post WW1 EK's vary greatly in quality and construction as well as makers. Believe me, I am well aware of the cornucopia of fakes. I believe it is good but will definitley solicit more opinions. Regards, Ron.

[Kraal]

Hi Ron!

If you purchased it from a member who thought it´s an original its a completely different thing than if someone sold it to you who knew it´s not original.

Mind my words, even Detlef Niemann has declared some fakes as originals. Everyone is just a human and can´t know anything. That´s no problem, as long as they didn´t try to cheat your or just take their things back. I am a person who is very hard to questionable pieces. It´s better to be hard and maybe find an "trench made" piece guilty than to buy a fake. If you have a safe source (maybe a foto or such a thing) where this type of cross is shown I will change my opinion.

Anyhow, I´m interested in what Streptile, Montgomery, GregM or Previtera himself say to this one.

greetings
Andy

[streptile]

I have one of these that I have never doubted. It is die-struck and meets all the criteria for an authentic piece. I have no evidence other than my gut feeling, my experience, and the clues offered by the piece itself, but I would be happy with this cross.

[Ron P]

Hi Ron!

If you purchased it from a member who thought it´s an original its a completely different thing than if someone sold it to you who knew it´s not original.

Mind my words, even Detlef Niemann has declared some fakes as originals. Everyone is just a human and can´t know anything. That´s no problem, as long as they didn´t try to cheat your or just take their things back. I am a person who is very hard to questionable pieces. It´s better to be hard and maybe find an "trench made" piece guilty than to buy a fake. If you have a safe source (maybe a foto or such a thing) where this type of cross is shown I will change my opinion.

Anyhow, I´m interested in what Streptile, Montgomery, GregM or Previtera himself say to this one.

greetings
Andy

I know where you are coming from. I too am very cautious. It seems Imperial EK's and Wound badges of post WW1 manufacture have many, many variations and quality grades. Up until the TR era standardization was not an issue. With all the variations, and very little clear photo evidence existing showing each and every variation, I for one rely on experiance, vet finds, networking, opinions, and "gut" feeling. As far as photos go, how many Hitler pics exist showing his EK and WB, and still who can say what maker WB he is wearing. Regards, Ron.

[gregM]

I'm not to sure about these. I don't think they were issue crosses
But I don't think they were actually inended as out right fakes.
I kind of put them in the same catagory as these-------

[Ron P]

I'm not to sure about these. I don't think they were issue crosses
But I don't think they were actually inended as out right fakes.
I kind of put them in the same catagory as these-------

Hi Greg. I'm sure it's not an issue piece. I'm thinking a poor man's private purchase. Ron.

[gregM]

Very possibly.

[Kraal]

I'm not to sure about these. I don't think they were issue crosses
But I don't think they were actually inended as out right fakes.
I kind of put them in the same catagory as these-------

Have seen them before a couple of times and not sure about this ones but: As all One-Piece-Originals I know, this one comes with a structured "core", has a better looking frame (expecally the IIIIIIII, what is it called in englisch?) even if the edges are totally filed down and seems to be made of brass, as I know from Originals. I wouldn´t buy it as it has a strange "core" design, but I would rather consider this one to be original than the other type shown.

greetings
Kraal

[streptile]

(expecally the IIIIIIII, what is it called in englisch?)

The "beading" or the "ribbing."

[ekhunter]

One Piece

I'm really not understanding the problem with this cross. Kraal , could you please show one piece examples that you consider originals. Thanks!