How rare are blued-cored EK's?

[Robert P.]

Getting away from the main topic here, but I believe this Type A14 also has a 'blackened' (cast) core. I'm confident that many of my earlier 1914 crosses have blackened cores.

Robert

[streptile]

Here is some relevant information from Mike Estelmann's 1870 EK article, which also helps explain why "blackened" cores actually look somewhat painted:

Next, the cores were again evenly heated, and a dark varnish made from linseed oil, resin, and galena black carbon was applied. A final rapid heating caused the oil to evaporate, leaving the iron cores with that durable matte-black finish typical of the Iron Cross. This finishing process is also known as "false blackening," and has nothing in common with real blackening in which there is a chemical reaction of the base material itself and a kind of patina forms. In the case of "false blackening," a thin, highly adhesive coating adheres to the core, creating the so-called "blackening."

So the "blackening" didn't actually change the surface of the iron; it adhered to it. That's quite a difference.

[Robert P.]

Here is some relevant information from Mike Estelmann's 1870 EK article, which also helps explain why "blackened" cores actually look somewhat painted:



So the "blackening" didn't actually change the surface of the iron; it adhered to it. That's quite a difference.

And, bluing changes the surface of the iron, correct?

Robert

[Montgomery Burns]

look here

it is used fore steel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_(steel)

the oil method in a different appliance
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crafts-and...refurbish.aspx








regards kay

[Robert P.]

look here

it is used fore steel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_(steel)

the oil method in a different appliance
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crafts-and...refurbish.aspx








regards kay

Thanks. Old hat; my kid's grandmother cooks everything in cast iron. She knows the ins and outs of maintenance. But, to see how it applies to Imperial crosses is interesting. The blackening process had to be performed in a timely manner it would seem to prevent flash rust on the iron cores.

Thanks Kay,

Robert

[Elmar Lang]

Hello,

this thread is very interesting and I would like to add some info.

In my collection of Imperial Austrian awards, there are a few pieces from other central powers from WW1.

Amongst them, three Iron Crosses 2nd Class, with triangular ribbon (one, "am Nichtkämferband").

I would like to post the pictures of the mentioned pieces: 2 crosses have the centre made of blued iron; a full-size and a Prinzengröße:

the first and the last ones are blued.

[Elmar Lang]

and here, the pictures of the two blued crosses:

[Elmar Lang]

...and a detail of the Austrian "star" mark, struck on the full-size EK, indicating that it was made of non-precious metal:

[Robert P.]

Pristine example! Thank you for posting these. The Prinzen is a very nicely detailed cross, its large beading quite attractive.

Thank you,
Robert

[streptile]

And, bluing changes the surface of the iron, correct

Hmm, not sure. "Blued core" is, as far as I know, nothing more than a term collectors invented to designate the type of finish on the Zimmermann-type EKs. Whether it's actually the same type of bluing used for guns and so forth is a question I have no answer for. Somehow I suspect it's not, but who knows? Maybe someone who's an EK collector and a gun enthusiast can compare the finishes, or do some tests.

[gregM]

Most of the "Blued" cores I have seen have been the very smooth,
thin sheet metal cores. They usually have a definite blue cast to them.
As Trevor said, most have been attributed to C.F. Zimmerman.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=641581

[SCOTT G]

The "blueing" effect that is seen on the Zimmerman crosses maybe attributed to the blend of paint used, as it takes many tints to make black. It could therefore be a case of the coating being in what is known in colour theory as a "cool blue black". Cool referring to the blue spectrum of colours, shades, hues and tints.

Just another view on the subject

[Robert P.]

Thanks everyone. Now I know I need a 'true-blue' Zimmermann.

Robert

[Elmar Lang]

Hello,

my two crosses have the centre that's blued like a gun's barrel/frame; perhaps, the picture doesn't give the proper appearance of the iron surface and its treatment.

Actually, the centre can be made of pressed sheet-iron.

What's interesting to see, is the "star" mark struck on the ring, testifying that the cross was made of non-precious metal and manufactured in Austria, prior to 1918 (surely, for private purchase). Although of different size, the Prinzengröße is almost identical to the full-size piece.

Best wishes,

E.L.

[Montgomery Burns]

Hello,

my two crosses have the centre that's blued like a gun's barrel/frame; perhaps, the picture doesn't give the proper appearance of the iron surface and its treatment.

Actually, the centre can be made of pressed sheet-iron.

What's interesting to see, is the "star" mark struck on the ring, testifying that the cross was made of non-precious metal and manufactured in Austria, prior to 1918 (surely, for private purchase). Although of different size, the Prinzengröße is almost identical to the full-size piece.

Best wishes,

E.L.

one day I going to buy myself one of these Zimmerman's and threat them with paint remover ..

if it comes of,,, its paint ,,if not ! ,,its aaaaah ?,,, .


regards kay









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