This is one of the more elusive Imperial crosses that I have been looking for for some time. According to O'Connor, some 400 or so of these crosses were awarded between 1914 and 1918.
Apart from a converted 2nd class example offered by a dealer at a show in Germany and Bobby Lees' example here on the forum, I have not seen any close-up images of this cross before. Judging by the pin and catch arrangement, this could be a privately made example from the 1920s or 1930s.
When asked about provenance, the seller stated that it was acquired direct from the family and was one of the few pieces found that belonged to the original recipient (for what a story is worth). He has promised (to the family) not to reveal the name of the original owner, but will give a full return policy, so I am not too worried about buying something that might not stand up to closer scrutiny.
Hessenthal and Schreiber describes the original issue pieces as having two additional hooks on the rear. The images shown here and on Dave Dammers site suggest that there was also a simple version without these hooks.
The images below show a cross that differs in minor detail from Bobby Lees', e.g. in beading, lettering and pin/catch assembly.
So, the big questions are: Who else has an example to show and what do you all think of this one?
The material is said to be Alpacca and the cross seems to be unmarked.
What do you think?
Apart from a converted 2nd class example offered by a dealer at a show in Germany and Bobby Lees' example here on the forum, I have not seen any close-up images of this cross before. Judging by the pin and catch arrangement, this could be a privately made example from the 1920s or 1930s.
When asked about provenance, the seller stated that it was acquired direct from the family and was one of the few pieces found that belonged to the original recipient (for what a story is worth). He has promised (to the family) not to reveal the name of the original owner, but will give a full return policy, so I am not too worried about buying something that might not stand up to closer scrutiny.
Hessenthal and Schreiber describes the original issue pieces as having two additional hooks on the rear. The images shown here and on Dave Dammers site suggest that there was also a simple version without these hooks.
The images below show a cross that differs in minor detail from Bobby Lees', e.g. in beading, lettering and pin/catch assembly.
So, the big questions are: Who else has an example to show and what do you all think of this one?
The material is said to be Alpacca and the cross seems to be unmarked.
What do you think?
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