1957 2nd Pattern Ritterkreuz for Opinions

[streptile]

Now this ugly bastard...







These photos are 10 years old, from when I bought this thing. I've since thrown it into a drawer, but who knows? Maybe I ought to pull it out and treasure it? Only you guys can tell me...

3-piece. Terrible solder (in fact they didn't even bother with the Öse). Non-magnetic. Now you understand why my sig says I'm looking for a First Pattern RK!

If need be, I can certainly take better shots.

Thanks 57er folk

(By the way, this is almost my last 57er EK to post)

~Trevor

[Mike Yokum]

Hi Trevor!

To judge it properly, we really need some higher resolution pics. Can you take some and post them for us? I wanna give this thing it's due and it's just too difficult based on these pics.

[streptile]

Sounds good, Mike. I'll take some more snaps tonight.
TR

[streptile]

Didn't get around to this last night, but here are some photos of the beast.

It's funny how good photos can change the impression of a cross.













Non magnetic, poor soldering. This ribbon came with it; I'm interested in any thoughts on it, too.

Thanks,
Trevor

[Mike Yokum]

Now this ugly bastard...

Well, you got it right in this brief and concise statement Trevor. Sorry to be so blunt butm you said it, not me.

Hard to say on the ribbon. Looks like it could be a repro.

I know you say you are after a 1st pattern RK, but don't overlook the early 2nd pattern versions. Mathys, David and I believe George all have very nice 2nd pattern RK's. There is some evidence as well that both versions were produced simultaneously. The point being, that there are nice and early, very collectible, 2nd pattern RK's out there. If you're after a 1st pattern only, then by all means go for it. But, if resources permit, don't overlook a nice 2nd pattern while on your quest.

[streptile]

Hey Mike,

Thanks for your input. No worries on the blunt language, I suspected as much! So is this an ugly one made for collectors by S&L (or another company), or an outright fake made my Morigi?

There is some evidence as well that both versions were produced simultaneously.

I just read a thread on here in which this evidence was presented. Very interesting. Someone suggested that the cores be renamed "A" and "B" as there is clear photographic evidence that they were made, as you said, simultaneously. Now where is that thread?

Mathys, David and I believe George all have very nice 2nd pattern RK's.

Can you point me in the direction of some photos of what you consider to be a very nice 2nd Pattern on the forum?

Detlev Niemann just sold two nice-looking 2nd Patterns today for about €200,- each, and (as someone else mentioned), Helmut Weitze has got one for €750,-. Yikes!

Thanks again,
Trevor

[Mike Yokum]

Hi Trevor,

Not a Morigi, but an S&L. Yes, a later collectors market version.

Mathys shows several here: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...&highlight=2nd

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...&highlight=2nd

[streptile]

Thanks, Mike. Some nice ones in Matthieu's collection.

I stumbled across this photo on the forum not too long ago, downloaded it, and lost track of the thread. If anyone can point me to the thread, I'd be very grateful. EDIT: found the thread here. I must say this RK is exactly what I want... I love them like this: "used but not abused."

Also, the thread in which the discussion of core-types took place? EDIT: found this one here.

Any help very welcome. In the meantime I'm looking myself.

[Matthieu]

@ Trevor, thanks for the compliments ... am always looking to expand my RK collection . But as you, still looking for a decent 1st pattern .

I've had a look at the ones Detlev has for sale, but both crosses dont give me that warm & fuzzy feeling inside ... I would not spend any money there. And for Weitze, 750 € ... that is way ( way ) overpriced !!!

My suggestion is to wait till a nice one comes along and grab it .

[George L]

Trevor, not a piece that's very collectible. Can't decide if it's Morigi or not. The other RK you posted is a nice 1st type.