Aws eki...!

[Robert P.]

I know very little of the evolution of the AWS crosses, but I understand from the seller that this cross has the 2nd AWS iron core.

I hope you enjoy the photos. I believe the cross was factory vaulted.

Robert

[Robert P.]

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[streptile]

That's correct, the 2. AWS core. Especially interesting to me are the bifurcated date numerals (each number has two small "feet").

I went far out of my way to land that example for my collection -- member Kraal here helped me, as I'm sure he will recall, reel it in from Germany. The reason is that the 2. Core is only very rarely seen in a magnetic version.

When I'm in front of my files again I will post the "AWS core chart" that shows all three of their cores. This one, alone of the three, was not later adopted by Juncker. I believe that is because the 1 and 3 cores were used simultaneously from early in the war until the late 1930s, whereas all evidence indicates that this core was used only briefly around the 20s, chiefly in non-silver AWS-marked Pillowbacks. I'm not sure why but the evidence is plain as day.

Photo documentation to come later. For now: congrats!

[Robert P.]

Thanks Trevor,

Yes, those little 'feet' are very interesting, another 'maker's signature' of sorts.

Robert

[streptile]

Hey Robert,

One of your photos illustrates one of my pet theories about AWS very well. I've never voiced this particular theory before, and I've never tested it, but I think it's possible that some AWS EK1s used a silver frame and alloy backplate and hardware. I have one such example in my collection, and I've always suspected your new cross is another.

One day I'd like to test this theory with the right equipment.

[Kraal]

Jep, one of the very interesting pieces of AWS which has found its way to Trevor through my hands

For material questions I'd recommend to ask Kay aka montgomery burns, he has great knowledge in this area and i guess he could give you some good tips to answer the material questions with minor chemical effort.

[Clive Vince]

Congratulations Robert. A cross I've not got and a very nice example. Love the quality of the catch material.

[Robert P.]

Thanks Clive,

Yes, hardware is very unique for this maker.

Robert

[Robert P.]

Here are some more detailed photos of the hardware...

Interesting theory of Trevor's, the obverse frame alloy being different than the backplate and hardware alloy. I've looked at the cross very closely, and I can see the difference. I'll work on getting a better photo comparing the two.

Robert

[Robert P.]

I hope these photos will illustrate and support Trevor's theory that the backing plate and hardware of this AWS EKI are indeed different alloys. As you can see in the photos (one a little darker than the other, hence two photos) the backing plate and the hardware have a yellowish tone (tombak?), while the obverse frame is a silver tone (silver content). Nice observation, Trevor! I never would have thought of looking at this detail myself.

Take a look...

Robert

[LeeJ]

Nice pickup Robert

[Robert P.]

Thanks Lee,

As you I have picked up some nice crosses from Trevor, knowledge as well on many areas of Imperial collectibles and history.

Robert

[kriztof]

That's a great looking cross Robert. The catch resembles these... Curious


Chris

[kriztof]

Last

[Robert P.]

Yes, they do. Can you post obverse photos, please?

Robert