1870 EKI Serious Opinions

[Jim Baker]

Hey Guys,

Need some opinions on this 1870 EKI. I just don't know enough about the fine points. Thanks for any help here.

[Jim Baker]

Reverse

[Jim Baker]

Mm

[Eric Stahlhut]

J versus I anyone? High 1870? Umlauts on the lotig? (oops!)

Never mind me, Jim!

Just getting the ball rolling. I think you will get some debate on this one. Hope Bill M checks in. I miss the guy!

[Jim Baker]

What's your opinion Eric?? It's coming from a reliable source, but I don't know jack about these. I've also posted a prinzen.


Thanks.

[Darrell]

What's your opinion Eric?? It's coming from a reliable source, but I don't know jack about these. I've also posted a prinzen.


Thanks.

Interesting pieces in the "Iron Time". It mentions that 16 Loth is pure silver. It also mentions that the narrow pins represent early awards.

[Eric Stahlhut]

Honestly?

I don't consider myself qualified to offer an absolute opinion on these crosses based on a pic. The only time I am completely comfortable in offering an opinion is when I am holding an example in my hand.

I do believe that the common forum concensus is far more valuable.

Marshall, Bobby, Bill, Tom, and others I have neglected to name will hopefully dissect the item in question shortly.

I will say that the placement of the catch seems kind of odd.

[George Stimson]

Here's a similar example which I own. It is definitely among my "questionables."

[George Stimson]

Reverse.

[George Stimson]

Marks.

[Eric Stahlhut]

Ooops, sorry G! forgot to mention you!

[Jim Baker]

More please....

[Biro]

Hi Jim...


We have had a few seriously good discussions about these over the last year.....but you will find no consensus on them I'm afraid, as George and Eric have alluded too.

I would honestly suggest you take a few hours and familiarise yourself with these three threads:

1870 EK1 makers..

1870 EK1 'I' Wagner...Opinions..?

1870 EK1 'I' Wagner Part 2 - It's arrived!!

......they are about as complete a cross section of 'scientific' annalysis and opinion as you will get these days on 'J versus I' Wagner.... (and indeed on 1870 EK1's in general).......while not all the pics still remain, you will be able to follow the thought process.


While I wouldn't go as far as to say these 'J' Wagners pop up 'frequently'..... when they do crop up, I'm afraid they tend to languish for innordinate periods of time before being 'sold?'...... or they sell for the price of a jewellers copy. For example, Manions have just sold a matching 'J' Wagner 'tweezer' tpye for US$700.00 ..... and the one offered by 'Der Rittmeister' currently resides, where it has done for many months, in 'Bala's Bargain Bin' for $2700.....

The supposed classic 'I' Wagner issue types however, sell to multiple buyers in nano-seconds, whatever the price or source......URGENT help 1870 EK1

Bearing in mind that we here on the forum are a microcosim of the 'informed' collecting world, I draw my own personal - if unscientific - conclusions from this.....

There is certainly NO consensus here on 'J Wagner' marked EK1's if that's what you're after - like I was a year ago.

JMO

Marshall

[Jim Baker]

Marshall,

Do you think the EK I'm showing is a J or I?? It looks like an I to me. No top on the J.

I'm asking as this one and the prinzen I posted are for sale and I lack time (due to work) to adequately research them. I guess what I'm looking for here, are OPINIONS from those who now own, or have owned similar examples.

Both these pieces are reasonably priced, and I don't think they will last long. I realize about everything has been faked, so I also ask, are these familiar as known fakes to anyone?? Are they re-strikes, but still legitimate pieces as re-issues?? The usual questions.

I also apologize for being a pain, but I'm still in the learning process with '39 EK's (my main interest), and am not familiar with the myriad of Imperial EK's and their makers.

Thanks to all for any help here.

[George Stimson]

Jim,

I'm afraid that there isn't a definitive answer on these. Now, whether you would like to go ahead and buy a questionable piece is up to you. Personally, I would rather have a guaranteed good item than one that's possibly not. I would not buy the EK I have again -- not because I'm convinced that it's bad, but because I'm not thoroughly convinced that it's good.