Have you seen such a 1st Class IC 1914?

[Pas de croix]

Here is an unusual (at least for me) 1st class Iron Cross with round back-plate.

The back-plate is attached with 2 bolts and round nuts (one is missing).
The cross is stamped 900 on the reverse.
It has an iron core and is a 3-piece construction with very nice smooth polished sides of the arms.

Any information about this cross is appreciated!
Thank you.
/Olof

[LeeJ]

Nice cross I have only seen one other being sold on Weitzes site but unfortunately the core is also cracked. This is a cross I would really like to have in my collection.

[Don D.]

I'd like to see the seams.

[streptile]

Definitely a curious cross. Anyone else have an original EK with this core?

[JasonA]

Interesting piece. I once saw a formal evening uniform with two tailored holes, close together. Similar to what you'd see for a screwback, but they were clearly for one badge - too close together for two separate screwback decorations. Designed for a badge like this, most likely.

Surely a strange get-up, though.

J-

[Mike Kenny]

Is the cross in question vaulted or flat?

The core looks like a slant W, but I would want to be home a compare before stating that 100%.

Regards
Mike

[Pas de croix]

I'd like to see the seams.

Hello Don,
Here they are. Some are almost invisible, but in magnification you can see them.
/Olof

[Pas de croix]

Definitely a curious cross. Anyone else have an original EK with this core?

As Lee so very kindly pointed out you can find one with http://weitze.net
Please compare the pictures here with my cross.
/Olof




The cores are cracked on the left side almost at the same place. Weitze's has 3 cracks while mine has 2.




Even the same nuts.

[Pas de croix]

Is the cross in question vaulted or flat?

The core looks like a slant W, but I would want to be home a compare before stating that 100%.

Regards
Mike

Hello Mike,
Yes, the cross is slightly vaulted as you can see on this picture.

And please explain to me “The core looks like a slant W” = Slope or Tilted??
/Olof

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Olof,

A quick search of "slant W" will show what I mean - it refers the the central top join on the W. Now that I'm home and can compare, I think this core is indeed very close to, if not the same as, a slant W core (including crown and date details of course). Yet this core is cast iron whereas most as highly vaulted pressed steel. Given the vaulting on this example appears to be minimal, I'd guess hand vaulted, creating stress and resulting in the core cracks. Further, as it appears to be cast iron, I'd suggest it's an early variation of the slant W core. I persoanlly see no problems with the seams (I know what Don was getting at and it was a very good/valid request these days) and I really like the look of the backiong plate (I have similar but with more holes). For me, this is a nice early and original variation. Figuring out the maker may be possible through the frame details but most likely the maker will remain unknown (the 900 versus the more typical 800 marking may help associate a maker too).

Regards
Mike