Ek2 Mystery!

[streptile]

Some size variation is normal on Imperial EK2s. If your cross were a one-piece, it would mean that the
core and the frame were made of the same material, which they are not.

My opinion on this type of cross is that it was from the end of the first period of WWI cross manufacture,
probably around 1915. At first the demand for EK2s was fairly low, as they retained their status as an
award for exceptional valor. The earliest cores were of high-quality cast-iron, not quite up to 1870 standards,
but close:



As the demand grew over the first years of the war, it outpaced the ability of ironsmiths to cast high-quality
iron cores. During this period, corners were cut and the quality of the work suffered. The cast-iron cores
became sloppy, like yours, and a few that I have as well:



This was remedied when a new method -- stamping -- was introduced to make cores. As a result, the
quality improved. The best example of this process is the so-called "Godet core":

[Kelly w]

Sounds all good to me, thanks.

Is it true some 1914's Ek's made right up to WW2? If so anyway to know what makers they were?


Kelly

[Kraal]

Hey kelly!

Sure, my crosses can´t be compared to yours, because they are made from different makers To be correct, Ammerssee has just an 95% equal piece, because the crown is missing the pearls due to being one of the last lower quality cores, but they are made from the same maker.

Sure, there are 1914 crosses that were produced in WW2. Most common are the AWS/Junker and Deumer pieces.


greetings
Andy

[saschaw]

This was remedied when a new method -- stamping -- was introduced to make cores. As a result, the
quality improved. The best example of this process is the so-called "Godet core":

I recently read these Godets were cast as well. I'm pretty sure they aren't, you seem to agree with me. Maybe I missunderstood it...

Godet's 1914s are textbook stamped cores, I'd say.

[Mike Kenny]

Most of the 1914 Godet's ("G" or Godet marked examples) I've seen I would classify as having stamped, not cast cores. It would not surprise me to find (in fact I'd bet on) a few earlier WW1 examples from Godet being cast though.

Regards
Mike

[kriztof]

This Godet might fall into the cast category.

[Mike Kenny]

This Godet might fall into the cast category.

Maybe. Hard to be 100% as the core looks repainted? Is it marked for Godet?

Regards
Mike

[streptile]

This Godet might fall into the cast category.

Very interesting cross.

[kriztof]

Maybe. Hard to be 100% as the core looks repainted? Is it marked for Godet?

Regards
Mike

No, not repainted Mike, I apply a thin coating of metal protector to the cores of all my crosses. Something that is used in the food industry for mechanical parts, acid/silicone free. The photo is taken outside in natural light also.

Repainted cores are easy to i.d. always tell tail signs present. What's that old saying.. all that shines is not repainted LOL

Yes it's marked G.

Chris

[morel5000]

Hi Chris,

could you make some macro shots of the core?
From the photos you posted it looks a like paint over rust, and some strange digital look in the black paint? What do you use as a camera?

Best regards,
Michel

[kriztof]

Hi Chris,

could you make some macro shots of the core?
From the photos you posted it looks a like paint over rust, and some strange digital look in the black paint? What do you use as a camera?

Best regards,
Michel

Michell, I think what you're mistaking for paint over rust can be found in the explanation Trevor has given above, seems this type of cast core lacks the detail/quality of the later types.

The digital thing you're seeing is maybe the color of my house reflecting back at the camera. A camera is only as good as it's operator haha.

Here's a visual of some equally crap quality cores ( They are not repainted )

Chris

[morel5000]

Hi Chris,

A camera is only as good as it's operator haha.

You are right.

On all your pictures the cores reflect as hell.

The

thin coating of metal protector

must be the cause.

Best regards,
Michel

P.S. what a big collection of crappy cores you got there, are you casting cores in your backyard ( thats a joke)

[kriztof]

P.S. what a big collection of crappy cores you got there, are you casting cores in your backyard ( thats a joke)

Someone has to love the ugly ones, I think they meant EKs

[Kelly w]

Thanks all. I sure learned a lot about these cross's from this thread. And you guys are smart as always.

But the wrong ribbon came with this and I must buy another cross lol.

Unless someone with good eyeballs or mag glass has a generally accepted 1914 EK2 ribbon for sale. Which is both sides looped and 25 or so thread count in white row. Looped ends straight and not irregular.

Ok call me crazy, but I want that ribbon!

Kelly