Engraved EK1 opinions.

[Glenn R]

Hi Chaps, I wonder if anyone has any opinions on the engraving on this EK1 offered on the collector's guild site,
Thanks,
Glenn.

http://www.germanmilitaria.com/Imper...os/G05652.html

[Glenn R]

Bugger, wrong forum, sorry moderators!

[ccj]

I think it is too expensive. Looks like an issue EK1 with very fancy engraving but over priced.

Bugger, wrong forum, sorry moderators!

[Vadim K]

Ditto. Its your run-of-the-mill KO cross with an engraving that may or may not be period (no provenance). Under those curcumstances, not worth even half of that price, IMO.

[ccj]

I have one engraved with the recipients initials. I'll try to find the images and post them.

Ditto. Its your run-of-the-mill KO cross with an engraving that may or may not be period (no provenance). Under those curcumstances, not worth even half of that price, IMO.

[Doug See]

You might want to do some research on the guy. If this was a China service officer and the engraving is good (period), it might be worth that to some collectors, especially if there is a lot of history available. I'm not an expert on engraving, so I can't comment.

The KO is an early one, as shown by the excellent detailing on the core and the nice pin assembly. This would help support the "1914" early award date. Get a good guarantee and have it checked out by someone who knows engraving. You can't do that by photographs.

I have an engraved KO that was awarded in 1914 and it compares well to this one. You won't find a good researchable engraved piece from colonial service for a $400-$500 "bargain" price nowadays. Just do your "due diligence".

[Bobby lee]

I have an award document group for a See-Batt soldat who earned an EK 2nd in China 1914, however, soldiers who may have been awarded the EK didn't get them until after 1920 when they returned home from captivity. I agree, without more documentation, I would be carful of investment in this item. Too many very nicely done engravings have appeared on all sorts of EKs and aviation badges.

[Glenn R]

Thanks gents. It's the engraving itself that I'm wondering about. If it were genuine I'd say it merits the price due to the location and date. Thanks for you comments.

[Christian L]

its a little to expensive - if it is original
but i personally don't like this engraving-style (for me, it looks "vintage-made")

[Blitz]

Even if the engraving is a period one, the price is too high. Reminds me of old Der Expensivemeister..

[ccj]

Hee hee, I hear ya.

Even if the engraving is a period one, the price is too high. Reminds me of old Der Expensivemeister..

[Blitz]

I thought It might ring a bell..

[Tiger 1]

From the pictures I can't decide if the letters are stamped or etched on this cross. The slightly raised bright outline around each letter suggests a stamping with the displaced metal forming the ridges. On the other hand the bottom of the letters seem to show a slight pebbling that suggests an etched inscription.

Pricewise, way too much IMO.

Just some thoughts,

Tony

[ccj]

The seller is most often over-priced with his German items. A person would need a 20-40% discount to make most items reasonable. Not counting this WAY over-priced item.He ain't the only one out there proud of his inventory. I guess you have to sell this stuff at high margins to make a living.

From the pictures I can't decide if the letters are stamped or etched on this cross. The slightly raised bright outline around each letter suggests a stamping with the displaced metal forming the ridges. On the other hand the bottom of the letters seem to show a slight pebbling that suggests an etched inscription.

Pricewise, way too much IMO.

Just some thoughts,

Tony

[Doug See]

I'm not trying to be disagreeable here (I know... sometimes it just comes naturally...), but until someone actually holds this one in hand, under a magnifier, and shows it to an EXPERT in engraving, it's hard to make a call on it here. If the engraving is period, (and there ARE ways to tell), it's an extremely nice and possibly unique piece. Look at the "R". It does look to be hand done. Personally, I would pay that kind of money if EVERYTHING about it were proven correct, or at least was well supported. That engraving appears very artful and done by a master---IF it's really old engraving. Just my opinion, and I was wrong once....well....maybe twice.

Really---how do you put a price on an item like this, if real? We're not talking about a "commodity" Wagner, S-W, KAG, etc. that may have sat in a jeweler's storage room for 70 years and was never even puchased or worn.