Mecklenburg-Schwerin Cross ????

[Kondor]

Just returned from a trip to both north and south Germany visiting friends. While up north I ran across this as a "Field Conversion" Piece. I decided to take a gamble. I know that the lower catch has been repaired from the original. Its nicely vaulted with the only evidence of handling being at the bottom below the catch. No other marks visible on the other arms. Now many of you already know that I'm very familiar with a "field converted" EKI . What do you think

[Kondor]

Some Reverse shots!

[Kondor]

Additional shots.

[VtwinVince]

I like it, certainly something I would have grabbed for my collection.

[Mike Kenny]

I don't know what happened to my first attempt at replying!

I seen a few of these and I've heard 2 theories; one is the field conversion theory, the other (I think, from memory) is that they were deliberately converted by a manufacturer to make up first class stock. Backing up the second theory is that the hinge is gold on the few examples I've seen and that on unrepaired examples the hinge and catch are very neatly soldered on. I've seen one with a paper award packet and my own example came in a regular M-S MVK1 red case. Other examples I've seen have not been vaulted. Imo as this is almost certainly derived from a KVK2 and they were flat, this one has almost certainly been vaulted post-manufacture, regardless of how neatly it was done. Interesting to note is was produced by worn dies (note the cracks in the reverse 3 and 9 o'clock arms).

In either case, it's a very nice character cross.

Regards
Mike

[Kondor]

Mike could we see yours? IF you note, the catch that was removed was of brass. Thanks for the input!

[römischIX]

this is a good old piece well made in germany a mecklenburg-schwerin war merit cross 1st class 1914.

original rare cross in vaulted version with "für auszeichnung im kriege"

i.m.o. a unmarked piece of godet, berlin, typical core for it.

[Mike Kenny]

As requested, alongside another imo wartime variant that arrived at the same time.

Regards
Mike


Obverse....

[Seeheld]

Just returned from a trip to both north and south Germany visiting friends. While up north I ran across this as a "Field Conversion" Piece. I decided to take a gamble. I know that the lower catch has been repaired from the original. Its nicely vaulted with the only evidence of handling being at the bottom below the catch. No other marks visible on the other arms. Now many of you already know that I'm very familiar with a "field converted" EKI . What do you think

This cross was made in 1920 - 1930 probably by Godet! This means it's not "field converted".

Regards Seeheld

[Kondor]

Thanks for all of you comments and for posting yours Mike! Looks like taking a chance paid off! I have been working on the equivilants of the Iron Cross, so this will be a great addition to the collection

[Kondor]

Seeheld, I see that you also weighed in on the Mecklenburg Strelitz thread regarding a Schwerin Cross 1st class. How can you tell if it was made during the war verses the post war era?? Can you post an example for us? Thanks!

[Seeheld]

Seeheld, I see that you also weighed in on the Mecklenburg Strelitz thread regarding a Schwerin Cross 1st class. How can you tell if it was made during the war verses the post war era?? Can you post an example for us? Thanks!

Of course I can do it, but I'm still busy with my book about the orders and medals from the Granddutchy Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Everything will be published... (inkluding Pictures)
For the MVK exist between 1914 and 1918 only 2 makers. One produced only 500 pieces!!! Every item, which is looking different is from a later period (1920-19...).

Regards Seeheld