Very rare EK3

[Nick Carraway]

According to "War History Online" this happened...

Manfred von Richthoven who was later to become known as the Red Baron started off in the Cavalry as a lancer but when this unit was disbanded he was transferred to the signal corps. For over a year he spent his days stringing telegraph wires along the western front, even winning an Iron Cross (3rd class) for this. In early 1915 he applied for the Imperial Air Service and became an ace with 80 kills. When he was shot down in April 1918 the British and Australians buried him with full military honors.

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war...war-facts.html

[Brian R]

I have two EK3s in my collection. They are crazy rare and took me years to find. I think one of them was the Red Baron's - it fell out of his plane right before he was shot down. That's what the seller told me.

[Stepdale]

Thanks a lot, Nick, I'm sure the fakers are now busy making EK3s!
Dale

[streptile]

My EK3 for comparison.


.

[Nick Carraway]

Gorgeous

[gregM]

Damn, another variation I have to try and find

[pzrwest]

So what is the difference between an EKII and an EKIII

[ekhunter]

3rd class

It appears to be a good story and a nice button!

[mchap]

So what is the difference between an EKII and an EKIII

By the tone of the article ek3's were awarded to soldiers that only spent their days stringing communication wire along the front... what an easy life?

[streptile]

So what is the difference between an EKII and an EKIII

As with many Prussian awards, the only difference between classes is a ribbon, or a device. All EK3s must have the above-pictured button affixed to the ribbon. As there was only one maker of the award-type device, any variation on this exact type of button should be regarded with great caution.

From Wikipedia:

The Prussians often adopted different languages for their orders' mottoes, such as the French "Pour le Mérite" or the Latin "Suum Cuique." With the English-language EK3 device ("3rd"), the Kaiser hoped for rapprochement with England. Unfortunately this was not forthcoming, and the awarding of the EK3 was quickly and quietly terminated.

I would say this is the ultimate Imperial collectible.

[gregM]

Trevor--
Nicely done.

[Nick Carraway]

I'm in the presence of giants. And Trevor is their king.

[pzrwest]

And here I thought the button pinned to the ribbon was a joke..... silly me... learn something new every day

[streptile]

And here I thought the button pinned to the ribbon was a joke..... silly me... learn something new every day

Pardon me if I've misunderstood, but just to be clear: this whole thread is a joke.

Didn't mean to really mislead anyone

[juoneen]

You've been PUNKED.