Deschler EK1 ...

[Matthieu]

I know that Nigel has been aching to see close-ups of this one, so here you go, buddy .

Battered ( or badly stored ) Deschler EK1 ... 3-piece made ... non magnetic core.

Not like the S&L or Deumer we are used to ... I have to say, this has some charm over it.

But lets hope you can agree this being an original piece first .

Grtz
Mathijs

[Matthieu]

.....

[Matthieu]

Hinge ....

[Matthieu]

C - shaped catch ...

[Matthieu]

Date + oaksprey .... quite some corrosion on the core ... any idea what metal the core is made from ( non-magnetic ).

[Matthieu]

Last ones ....

[Nigel N]

Aaaaah at last....... No worries here Mathijs, well worth the wait!!!
A rare original Deschler EK1, that just oozes history!!
Dont worry about the condition either, even unworn ones never seem to hold their finish well, and the non magnetic cores are prone to losing their paint, i reckon this one has been worn by a vet for a lengthy period, hence the condition, that only makes it more special!
Deumer must have only made a small number of EK's and for a short time too,
The frame is the same as they used during the war, and i'm not sure if that pin style also did'nt turn up on some very late war EK1's!!
I love it Mathijs 100% original and very rare, only about the 5th or 6th one i've seen!!
Congrats!!!! -Nigeleusa_dance.gif

[Seewolf]

I am not an EK expert but that this one is a real and rare Deschler, that i know
I think the core is made of zinc, i would not clean that one heavily, only a little bit to stop corrision.
Great piece that we don´t see often

[Mike Yokum]

Not like the S&L or Deumer we are used to ... I have to say, this has some charm over it.

But lets hope you can agree this being an original piece first .

Grtz
Mathijs

Charm indeed buddy! A super nice piece. I like the condition just fine! I think minty pieces have their beauty and well worn, been pieces have an equal, yet opposite attraction!

[LuckyLuudje]

Maybe not the nicest, but an interesting cross Mathijs!
I also would leave it in the same condition as it is.

The paint is not what I would expect to see for this maker.
But it could be the result of the way it has been stored.

Can you see if:
1- the reddisch oxidation on the frame is rust?
2- the silverish colour is the base metal (maybe sink like Rudiger mentioned) or could it be silver plated.

[Matthieu]

Can you see if:
1- the reddisch oxidation on the frame is rust?
2- the silverish colour is the base metal (maybe sink like Rudiger mentioned) or could it be silver plated.

Hello Luud, thanks for your comments ...

1- indeed some minor traces of rust on the frame ( silver plating faded away ??? )
2- no clue what base metal would be ( its non-magnetic )

Wish I could be of better assistance ... any way of testing the core ( with some home-based chemicals ??? )

[LuckyLuudje]

Hello Luud, thanks for your comments ...

1- indeed some minor traces of rust on the frame ( silver plating faded away ??? )
2- no clue what base metal would be ( its non-magnetic )

Wish I could be of better assistance ... any way of testing the core ( with some home-based chemicals ??? )

I have no idea what kind of lab you have, probably like me in the kitchen
I wouldn't test it if it would leave any traces, it is not that important.

Rust is really not something that I expected to see on the frame.
But I wouldn't put to much value on that.
I read that you tested the core it with a magnet, so you would have noticed a magnetic frame. I can only guess that the cross has been stored in a bow with other iron items.

I you can, please measure the thickness of both frames and the weight.

[Matthieu]

Hi Luud,

I must agree with you it has been stored with other iron items in a damp condition and that rust has transferred onto the frame.
Havent got a home lab ... a magnet, digital scale, good detailed ruler, magnify glass and thats about it.

Here are the measurements ... quick reaction today ( day off work ).

Weight = 22,10 Gram
Dimensions frame = 44 x 44 mm
Thickness frame excluding beading = 1,5 mm ( approx. ) *** assuming that both frames are then 0,75 mm ( they look even size )
Thickness frame including beading = 3 mm ( approx. )

Grtz
Mathijs

[LuckyLuudje]

My homelab consist of items wich are older than the items that i collect.

Based on it's weight It could IMO be very possible that Rudiger is right and that a sink core is very possible.
It would be interesting if it is.

The thickness is what I would expect for this cross and matches my wartime EK with frames that are IMO made by Deschler or stamped with dies that are initially made by Deschler.
The size does surprise me.
My wartime brother is (like all my other Deschlers) 45mm while yours seem to have been resized to a "normal" size of 44mm.

So far I have to agree with what has been said and that the most likely maker is indeed Deschler. Although I am not convinced yet if we can say the same for your DK that was sold in the same lot.
I am however convinced that the DK has been stored together with the ek1 for a longer time and don't think that any of these awards have been added at a later stage to the group.

[Nigel N]

Hi Mathijs, thought you might like to see these pics of a late-war Deschler, interesting to compare with your 57 version........SN850089.JPG

SN850090.JPG
-Nigel