Inspired by Tom's quest

[Unfront]

Congratulations Tom! We cannot wait to see photos. An RK grouping with provenance is indeed the way to go! As mentioned above, especially since this is from an Army enlisted man - that type of grouping is a rare bird indeed. Most groupings you will see are from Pilots. In my neck of the woods - actually a member of my family - has an extensive TR RK grouping from an Army NCO. I will have to hold back the details as he is on the WAF and has yet to divulge or share any info here so I will not ruin it for him. However, groupings are the top of the crop when it comes to collecting. All the other 'stuff' is nice - but a grouping is where it is at. I must again say congratulations! A real piece of history for you. Can't wait to see it.

[Steve 5]

@Tony: It is a modern piece (most likely produced yesterday..) and not worth that amount of money IMO. As i already stated in another thread: If you really want to buy such a piece then try to contact S&L directly. I got a copy of the invoice for the RK, which i bought from Stijn. He bought it directly from S&L in 2008 and the price was 75 € (+ 19 % value-added tax). I contacted S&L in 2010 (if i remember correctly) and the price was still actual! best regards Nils

It is indeed a modern piece, "D" framed second core, three piece and non magnetic, this RK was not made yesterday, but in the mid to late 1980's looking at its construction and finish. The "Oaks & Swords" on this set are later made "925" marked set.....probably late 1990's on.
I bought one of these 80's made crosses a few years back, from this company (Elite) and was pleasantly surprised by its quality, it would seem St u L still cared about their products back then........unlike the "made yesterday" examples they churned out in the end, in the late 90's to sometime in the 2000's......I have three of these very late crosses and IMO it depended on who in ST u L workshops made/finished off them off as the quality can go from bad to worse !
So yes you can, if St u L ever respond to your query, get one for 75 euro, but I doubt it will be as good as the 80's made cross......do not forget, the price of a good Souval copy is now around $400 ! I think the days of cheap and plentiful 57ers is truly over !!!
Prost ! Steve.

[Tom B]

I could not find out much about him ??? I emailed my OdR contact to see if they have his history. I don't even know if the award was made on the Eastern or Western front ?? I also emailed the Berlin records Office. Now I wait. Tom

Some info: Member in good standing in the OdR, holder of the RK, EK1, EK2, CCC-silver, IAB-silver, WB-silver and 1 Tank Destruction Badge. Born: 4 Sept. 1916/Died 1 June 1994. Last Rank attained: Leutnant. Passed away in his hometown in Bavaria. The photo I received from him is from the chest up, so all I can see is part of his CCC & his newly awarded RK and he's wearing a s/decal helmet. Tom

[Unfront]

It ...do not forget, the price of a good Souval copy is now around $400 ! I think the days of cheap and plentiful 57ers is truly over !!!
Prost ! Steve.

I tend to agree with that. I see 57er EK's are going for what TR EK's were going for in the 90s. I think much of this has to do with the fact that 1. Original TR items are getting to the point where they are prohibitably expensive, and 2. Collectors are starting to appreciate the fact that the 57er EKs and RKs are in fact part of the official heritage of the iron cross. It seems as if everyone is looking for a decent 57er RK these days (and I am guilty of that myself!!!)

That being said, deals are still out there to be had. They are, however, getting harder to find. Thus, prices are going up. Granted, I don't think a 57er RK will ever be anywhere near the price of a TR RK, but there is still quite a bit more room to grow.

[Tony T-S]

The thing I like most about the ebay Cross deal is that the postage is nice and small because its actually in Country rather than from overseas. As it includes the case and OLS it may not be a bad deal for me particularly with the new information. Decisions decisions.

[Tom B]

The thing I like most about the ebay Cross deal is that the postage is nice and small because its actually in Country rather than from overseas. As it includes the case and OLS it may not be a bad deal for me particularly with the new information. Decisions decisions.

I agree with you....It's a 100% original S&L (mint) IMO a bit high but the prices on all of this stuff is going up like crazy, so for you IMO a very good deal. Tom

[Tony T-S]

Well that's Christmas and birthday sorted. Now we both wait. Thanks for all the help everyone.

[Tony T-S]

Gracious, its already in the post!!! I may have to revise my view of ebay

[Skyhawk]

Congrats and I am glad you acquired the RK! Looking forward to the photos!

[Hagen]

Congratulations Tony!

[Tony T-S]

Thanks Hagen mate, its like lots of Christmases and birthdays at once. You need one now.

[Tom B]

Don't worry...Elite will have another one up for sale in no time ! Tom

[Hagen]

You need one now.

That would be nice, but my wife isn't as understanding as yours!

I am truly glad that you scored one for yourself though my friend.

[Tony T-S]

Hey Tom, has your RK arrived yet?

[Tom B]

Not yet....end of the week