1914 ek1 screwback opinions

[Artillero]

Gentlemen,
I am a new member to the forum. I have been on the hunt for a good representative example of a 1914 EK1. This past weekend, I came across a 1914 EK1 and I would like your opinions. It is a vaulted screwback version marked .800. I have attached some pictures. It will go with my small collections of items from the 111 IR. Would anyone venture a guess as to the maker and rarity?

Thank you,
Foxdoublegunner

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[ekhunter]

Good

Looks like a good one. If you use a magnifying glass you might be able to make out some letters on the rear of the screw disc. Looks like a Victoria DRGM cross to me.

[Artillero]

Thank you for the assessment. I have looked with a magnifying glass for indications of some marking. There may be some letters along a portion of the rim but they are very faint. Is this maker considered rare and desirable? The condition looked quite good to me. i will probably only be able to have one in my collection so it would be nice to have an an uncommon example.

Thank you,
Foxdoublegunner

[gregM]

Welcome to the forum.

I would not really consider this a rare cross however they are fairly uncommon.
I think they are desirable if for no other reason except that they are a seldom
seen variation. These are very light weight crosses made with cheaper materials
then say a Godet or Wagner cross so values do not reflect rarity.

Here is a better look at what the maker's mark should look like however
on most crosses, the mark is so faint that it's barely noticeable.

[Artillero]

Thank you for your insight. The workmanship appears to be first rate. It is very well finished and has good detail compared to the few other examples which I have had the opportunity to handle. The vaulting of the cross is also symmetrical. It is a thin cross compared to others, particularly those made of nickel silver. I had the chance to hanlde a couple of Godet, a Meybauer and one Friedlander. The Godet had significant separation along the frame which didn't leave me with a favorable impression; the Meybauer was nicely finished and attractive however I was put off by the crown which was slightly off center and Friedlander looked presentable except for a cracked core. The Meybauer appeared to also be fairly light weight. I ended up paying a bit more for it than the Meybauer would have cost but the off center crown on the Meybauer was something that I didn't feel comfortable with. I hope that I chose well!

[gregM]

I hope that I chose well!

It's all a matter of personal taste. If you like it better than another,
than that's the one you should have.

I have lots of different and odd variations. I buy the one that speakes to me the loudest at the time.
I have passed over perfectly fine, popular crosses toget a beat up cross with a damaged frame or a
cracked core because it has character and sense of history.

[Artillero]

Yes, that is a good way to approach collecting.
In your opinion, how should I best protect the iron core from deterioration without damaging the finish. Is an occasional light coat of oil a good idea or will that do more harm than good?

[gregM]

You will get a lot of different opinions on this one.

This has worked for me---
If the cross has active rust , I will take a tooth brush and clean away
any loose dirt or rust and then use a light oil on the core and then air blow
all the excess off. I have only needed to do this twice.

On 99% of my crosses I just use a soft tooth brush and a Q-tip to clean away any
loose dust, dirt, ect. Then I store them in a clean dry place. I try not to do any
excessive brushing or rubbing. I never polish the silver.

[pzrwest]

If you store the cross in a small medal plastic bag with a zip top closure just put one of the small silica gel pouches that come with electronic items like a stereos or Walk mans etc. They will absorb any moisture left in the bag or one the cross

[Artillero]

Ek1 maintenance

Thank you, Gentlemen. I was about to apply a light coat of oil to the iron core to prevent rust when I decided that it might be best to ask for opinions first. Glad that I did. The core is in decent shape so I don't want to disturb it.