1870 EK II Opinions?

[Erich B.]

I recently picked up this 1870 EK II on a bar--the bar is original, but I'm wondering about the cross. The crown has little detail, and the ring is small with an indistinguishable mark. The raised portions of the core are otherwise sharp and high. The edges of the cross have a distinct grey solder joint all the way around, and it has the 'nub' is square.
I've owned a number of 1870s in the distant past, but I wasn't sure about this one.
Any opinions would be welcome!
Thanks,
Erich

[Erich B.]

1870 reverse

Here's the reverse. The photos aren't very good, I'm afraid, but hopefully there's enough there for a determination.
Erich

[Erich B.]

EK stats

Anyone?
Erich

[stogieman]

Hmmmm...

..... there's many things I see that I like, with respects to details of the core. But, it's impossible to determine authenticity IMO from these pictures. My gut says probably OK, but later, ca. 1900-1910 manufacture.

[Erich B.]

Ek 1870

Thanks Rick,
That's my feeling--the quality looks more like a 1914 EK II than a period 1870 example.
Erich

[Biro]

A Square 'nub'...??

Is a picture of that possible, Erich..?

And the mark if you can...


Marshall

[Erich B.]

Ek 1870

I'll try to see if I can get a closer photo. My closeups were too out of focus to use, but I'll see what I can do!
Erich

A Square 'nub'...??

Is a picture of that possible, Erich..?

And the mark if you can...


Marshall

[Blitz]

Well, without better pictures it's hard to say.. I did do some checking with my books(the few that i have) and my own piece. The details of the crown and the oak leaf are different from the ones i have seen. I agree with Rick that it's not a period piece. But i really can't say if it's good or bad. It is propably an OK one, but can't say for sure.

[Brian S]

What's the mark on the ring? Let's see the whole bar before we date it.

[Erich B.]

1870

I can't tell what the marking is--there's not enough to determine. The rest of the bar is fine, but it's the type that has hooks on the reverse so the medals are removeable so the rest of the bar won't necessarily help determine anything about the EK. The other two medals are an 1870-71 campaign medal with no motto on the edge, and an 1866 campaign cross. I've got it packed up to return it. I couldn't get a clear enough shot of the ring. If I have time tomorrow I'll unpack it and try to take some additional photos.
Erich

[Brian S]

Then it's ridiculous to call this a 1900 EKII. This is a period 1870 EKII. You're sending it back, why?

[Erich B.]

Ek 1870

As others have noted, the details are not up to the quality of a period 1870. The rim is on a par, qualitywise, with a late 1914 EK II.
I've owned several 1870 EK IIs over the years and would prefer a more representative piece.
Erich

[Brian S]

You have to like it, not me. But it's a period piece. Maybe repainted or something funky, but an early period piece.

[Erich B.]

Ek 1870

If you're interested in the bar, I can PM you with the seller's details.
Erich

[Brian S]

Yes, thank you, please do.