backwards Ek1

[gregM]

I lifted these images off another forum.

Is this a Frankenstein cross gone wrong or something else.

[streptile]

Interesting piece.

As far as I know, EK2 cores were not used for EK1s as a rule, so it's hard to imagine that this was just a manufacturing mistake. Seems to have been done deliberately.

I feel this piece could be an oddity; a mistake; a Frankenstein made recently by some idiot who thought this is what an 1813 should look like; or -- just maybe -- some kind of display piece made during WWI, perhaps for a museum.

I've seen more than one ersatz 1813 EK1 made from converting an 1813 EK2 to a pinback, but using the reverse side of the EK2 as the front of the EK1. This set (attached © Thies Auktion 53) is one example; that's a real 1813 EK2 converted to a pinback. At some point, when the reverse side of the 1813 EK2 was officially permitted to be worn face-out, perhaps some wanted EK1s to match.

I find this latter explanation unlikely, but worth mentioning.

[gregM]

I feel this is most likely a modern Frankenstein piece..

But I had this thought ----
We have seen period examples of Ek2s being worn backwards
on medal bars. There was even some theory about some people
turning them backwards after the Kaiser abdicated his throne.

Very doubtful and no way to prove it, but something to ponder.

[gregM]

As far as I know, EK2 cores were not used for EK1s as a rule, so it's hard to imagine that this was just a manufacturing mistake. Seems to have been done deliberately.

Plus-- The core details do NOT match those used by S-W

[Don D.]

Be nice to see the frame soldering.

[gregM]

I agree

[Tiger 1]

Interesting but a non-starter IMO.

The beading shows way too much 'wear' to be a display piece.

The outside edges of the frame flanges are filed not flat and parallel with the beading but have a slight curve.

Lastly, and this is subjective on my part, the overall 'look' of the back is too 'soft' and just not right to me. Gut feeling. Too recent.

Then again... an ersatz '57 may not be totally out of the question. Hmmmm.....

Tony