EK IIcl. 1870 with Oakleaves

[Ron B.]

I was wondering if someone might be able to tell me who the maker of this 1870 Iron Cross is please. I hope the scanned image is alright. I couldn’t find any makers marks. Also is the 25 year award made by the same firm?

Here are some observations:
The suspension ring is attached to a black steel clip stamped with the name Nicholls. The clip in turn is sewn onto the ribbon.
The oakleaves has one of its brass fastening arms broken. I have the piece and will have a jeweller solder it back on. The oakleaves measure 26mm wide by 18mm high with a maximum depth/thickness of 5mm. It’s weight is exactly 2 grams, (broken arm included).
This variety (or this one anyway), has two brass fastening arms that will overlap each other for 5mm on the reverse center of the decoration. For this reason and the fact they appear to be brittle, I strongly advise not attempting to remove these 135 year old oakleaves from any ribbon they are found on.
The oakleaves are stamped from what I originally thought was steel or tin with a silver wash. I tested it using a magnet but it didn't attract so I believe it now to be silver, although unmarked.

Best Regards
Ron

[Ron B.]

Heres a few more close ups. I've removed a lens from a 10 power loop and taped it on the lens barrel of the camera for these images. I found this idea on a thread several months back and have been having fun with it.

[Eric Stahlhut]

Nice cross! The clip is certainly contemporary to the award as I have a Regimental shooting award from 1905 that has the same style of clips.


Not a clue as to who exactly the maker of either cross or spange was, though.

[Ron B.]

Thanks for your comments Eric.
Best regards
Ron

[Blitz]

Could you give us an closeup of the obverse? That might help..
And have you checked out for this clue?

[Ron B.]

Here's a closeup of the obverse. I can only see a few scratch marks on the ring.
Thanks for looking.
Ron

[Ron B.]

Here's one of the reverse.
Best regards
Ron

[Carlo Pozza]

Beautiful cross, Ron.

No idea who the maker was for either piece, however. Sorry

[Blitz]

I believe it's a wagner & Sohn piece. Here is it's brother:

Obverse

[Blitz]

Reverse. The details are just too similar to be from different manufacturers, your question has been answered, mate!

[Brian S]

Nice crosses but IMHO not the same.

[Blitz]

Upon closer examination, yes, they are from different manufacturers.. I must have been blind.

[Brian S]

No not blind, I just pulled them both down and compared side to side and I started to see some subtle differences.

I would CERTAINLY have assumed 'W' made a version of this cross. And that they would have marked it as such, nice to see.

[Blitz]

Well, it's good to be of some assistance.

[Ron B.]

Thanks Carlo, Blitz and Brian for your comments and suggested makers! Great looking cross Blitz! I've posted thumbnails of the cross on my web page if you'd like to see more. At: http://members.shaw.ca/oldpostcards/ Should you happen to discover who the maker is at a later date I'd sure welcome a PM.
Very best regards
Ron B.