Issue or PP

[pzrwest]

How does one tell the difference between an issued EKI, EKII or private purchase cross? Or is there no way to tell which is which? Thank You in advance.... Harold

[streptile]

Hi Harold,

Issued EK1s were made of real silver with iron or steel cores, were flat, and had pinbacks. They had small, simple markings like FR, WS, S-W or G. Later issue pieces were sometimes marked 800 as well (to indicate a lowered silver content).

Private purchase EK1s could be flat with pinbacks, but could also be vaulted, screwback, etc. They could have complex markings like the Meybauer or AWS crests, GODET • BERLIN, or HANSEN, etc. They might have non-standard silver markings like 925 or 950, or might be silvered. They could have side-hooks or pin stabilizers. Anything fancy was private purchase.

Issued EK2s were also silver, simply marked, with iron or steel cores.