Onyx EK1

[NavyFCO]

I've long since stopped collecting German stuff, but that cross is AWESOME!!! Thanks for posting it!!!

--Dave

[Eric Stahlhut]

Kunst Aktien Gesellschaft?

Well Michael,

Since that rat fink Tony already has first dibs on it if you ever should decide to part with it (AS IF!), at least let us know where you found it. Was it at a local show in Europe?

It looks to me like a regular KAG that has been modified by a jeweler. Not exactly like the one I remember (frames enclosed core completely and core was inset with silver details), but very cool nevertheless!

Thanks for sharing!

[Michael Everett]

Thank you,

Gentlemen,

Thank you all for your kind comments. I purchased my piece at a major European show. Since I mostly collect Third Reich, I may consider selling the piece but not right now. The hard part will be to establish a price. I have only seen one other for sale and that went for $3000.00. And, on that piece, the Onyx was damaged and so was the hook on the reverse. Any guess as to how much mine may be worth?

MICHAEL

[Tiger 1]

A whole ot of cheese!

With apologies to Big Daddy Roth.

"Rat Fink" Tony

[Blitz]

Mmmmmm.. SWEET!

[Gerd Becker]

Ach...


Stunning piece. Thanks for sharing, Michael.

best,
Gerd

[Tony & Kaiser]

I almost fell over when I saw it was a KAG backing....Seems to clearly be a "split" KAG EK1 that has been reassembled with the extra depth. (?) It's interesting that a KAG EK would have been used for the basis of this manipulation; not exactly a "top end" EK as there were better quality EK1 available.

Could someone please explain why this is assumed to be an onyx core and not black-etched glass? I have seen a significant amount of black glass with etchings like this in art work and jewelry in German antique shops. Tony

KAG by the way has still not been identified as far as I am aware.
http://www.kaisersbunker.com/stuff/1914_EK1_makers.htm

[Brian S]

Michael, for me, I have no idea when this cross became an onyx or glass cross. It looks great that's for sure. From a pure utilitarian view, not very practical in the field. So I would conclude post-war when it could be worn in a genteel setting and not be exposed to the rigours of war as it is extremely fragile. I have this 'thing' about jumping to conclusions regarding originality and for me this one will remain an enigma. Beautifully done, but when and by whom?

Also I still wonder if it is onyx. You should be able to look at through a 10x or a microscope and determine what it is constructed of. Photos I don't think will reveal its substance. But onyx or glass, I can imagine it being worn by the vet but remain in doubt as to when it was truly made into this final construction. As such for me it would always remain a very striking piece alongside other crosses even with the nagging questions.