"Ugly" Bavarian MVK1

[Carl Christense]

Good evening fellow collectors,

I have a Bavarian MVK1 in hand. I'm not 100% sure about it. Almost all of the gold finish is gone revealing the copper metal. The white enamel and the gold lettering are a little beat up too.

I'd like to get some opinions on this piece. Is it an "Ugly" copy of a relatively rare medal or something else.

Regards,

Carl C

[CRBeery]

Any maker mark on the swords? At this point I do not like this piece. The buckle on the front is full of enamel and that is a bad sign. Look at posts of MVO 4's as they are far more common and you will see gaps on the top and bottom of the buckle the way it should be.

[Don D.]

Based upon these pics I have to agree.

[Lubo]

Hi Carl, did you check the enamel to see if it's cold applied?
Just use a sharp needle and try to gently pierce it, if it's cold applied you'll be able to poke it, if it's hot as it should be if original - the pin will only slide from side to side (don't push too hard, you may brake it if original)!

[CRBeery]

Looking at this piece further I see another problem that is more apparent but one that I missed as I always start with the buckle detail. The crown is half buried in the enamel and the top of it is not visible. There are also places where the enamel goes over the L cypher. Unfortunately all bad signs. Any collector that finds one of these needs to be extremely cautious and really study the details. I have never found a first class "in the wild" that I liked in 20 years. Many at dealers and auctions but second class crosses are the best I have pulled out of the woodwork. See if you can return it and don't stop looking. You'll find one someday if it is what you really desire.

[Heran]

Hi all,

I agree that this MVK doesnt look good at all. The front medallion doesnt have the normal quality of the Hemmerle, Leser or Weiss MVK 1. Klasse (as far as I know, the only 3 Bavarian Makers allowed to produce them). The L has been sunk too deep as well as the crown.

On the other side, the reverse medallion is really similar to the Weiss & Co types b1a and b1b, specially in the form of the tail (see "Orden und Ehrenzeichen, Nr. 85 - June 2013).

Still, I do not like this MVK. The one that you showed us a few weeks ago have far more quality and looks much more beutiful as this one.

Best Regards

Antonio

[Carl Christense]

Gentlemen, thank you for your input. I had a lot of doubts about this piece but wanted to some honest input about it.

Regards,

Carl C