1813 EK2 up for review

[Carthin]

Good evening everyone! I picked up this magnetic 1813 ek2 at the MAX show last weekend and would like people's opinions on it. Right after purchasing it I had a prominent dealer take a fairly quick look at the cross and he believed it was a 1820's original cross that had been repaired at one point. He also believed that the ribbon and ring were replacements. I will refrain from posting his name though as it was a quick non-compensated-for evaluation, and I don't want to start any drama in the event that it's no good.

Personally I believe it to be an original myself, although with a mid to late 19 century replacement ribbon. Considering how reasonable the price was however, I just want to double check with some outside opinions.

I apologies for the poor pictures, I only have my cellphone on me at the moment.

[streptile]

Hi Carthin,

That is a well-known fake that's been somewhat convincingly aged.

It fooled a lot of people for a long time.

[Carthin]

Thank you for the reply, do you have any more information on these fakes that you could share? Given the high value of these items I would rather not make the same mistake twice.

[gregM]

As Trevor said, These crosses have been around for some time fooling
a lot of people. If you do a forum search for "small crown fake" or
"stepped core fake" you will find several discussion about these crosses.

Here is one example---
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...all+crown+fake

[Carthin]

Reading over the examples posted I think I can see the issues with my cross. Thank you guys for the helpful information. Even if its not what I wanted to hear, the truth is the truth, and there isn't much I can do about it! Honestly, I should probably save my pennies for a reasonably guaranteed original, if only just for spotting fakes in the wild.

Speaking of that, which dealers are good for buying higher-end Imperial these days? I know of quite a few stores that people suggest to stay away from, but few discuss the honest ones.

[gregM]

Always do your homework when deciding to buy from a dealer. Even honest
dealers can make a mistake from time to time.

I have had very good luck with Klaus at Butsheck Antiques. I highly recommend
woschler-orden. Both Klaus and Sasha are members here. Weitze and eMedals
are good but both have had a few fakes pop up every no and again.

There are others but these are the ones that I have personally used with good results.

If you are thinking of buy any high end piece, I would recommend posting it here
before sending the money.

[Montgomery Burns]

LETS NOT FORGET THE E STAND HERE ON WAF

THERE IS A VERY GOOD IMPERIAL SECTION
WHO SAW SOME OF THE FINEST HIGH END ITEMS TO BE SOLD THERE ..
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...splay.php?f=50

SAFER YOU CANT BUY ,,,

IF I WHERE YOU I WOULD START LOOKING AROUND THERE AND START ASKING MEMBERS FOR WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR


BEFORE RUNNING OF OR BEING DIRECTED TO PROFESSIONAL DEALERS WEALERS.



REGARDS KAY

[otter76]

LETS NOT FORGET THE E STAND HERE ON WAF

THERE IS A VERY GOOD IMPERIAL SECTION
WHO SAW SOME OF THE FINEST HIGH END ITEMS TO BE SOLD THERE ..
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...splay.php?f=50

SAFER YOU CANT BUY ,,,

IF I WHERE YOU I WOULD START LOOKING AROUND THERE AND START ASKING MEMBERS FOR WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR


BEFORE RUNNING OF OR BEING DIRECTED TO PROFESSIONAL DEALERS WEALERS.



REGARDS KAY

+1

[otter76]

I have had very good luck with Klaus at Butsheck Antiques. I highly recommend
woschler-orden. Both Klaus and Sasha are members here. Weitze and eMedals
are good but both have had a few fakes pop up every no and again.

I have to agree with the above statement. Auctions like THIES or HERMANN H. are good places too and even if fees apply if the bidding does not gets excessively competitive final prices might be good enough like dealer sites. WAF estand is great starter and a good drill is checking it daily.

[morel5000]

For ek's check out militaria-berlin.de, straube-orden.de and bretzendorfer.de for medals.

[morel5000]

Anyway, the best advice is already given; Check this e-stand and become a member of multiple militaria forums and check their equivalent e-stands. The community will discuss fake pieces, mostly avoiding expensive mistakes.

[pzrwest]

I agree with Kay reguarding the Imperial section in the e-stand. I have made many purchases there at very reasonable prices, and not have to worry if is real. Before I buy anything on ebay I check with the experts here

[mp409mm]

Thank you all for this information, you are all money savers. s
Alf

[Carthin]

I agree with mp409, thank you guys for the suggestions

It's always good to expand your list of qualified dealers to check out.

Perhaps one of the mods should create a sticky post with a list of good dealers? If there isn't one already.

[pzrwest]

Did the seller offer(guarantee) any refund if not real?