Souval KVK1

[Nigel N]

As far as I know, this is about as close as Souval ever got to making a 57 KVK1...
(There are a few cast examples, with central "1939" date, which may be later Souval's, but I haven't had the chance to examine one to be sure!!!)
So, this type is very similar to a standard postwar Souval, but has been de-Nazified at the factory, and the central area, given a pebbled finish, to more match the arms of the cross......
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[Nigel N]

As is typical for these KVK's, it is made of two separate pieces, an obverse, and a reverse section soldered together, polished highlights to the borders of the arms, sword crossguards, and spines of the blades.....
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[Tom B]

Very interesting example & Info. Thanks Nigel. Tom

[Nigel N]

I have seen 3 different pin styles on these, the broad pin, in the same style as that used on early S&L EK's/ DK's etc.
The 2nd style, slimmer S&L type pin, usually MM'd L/58, and this type, to Souval's own design....
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[Nigel N]

Hingeblocks are solid, catches are normally the thin S&L type, and both are mounted on separate plates beneath, rather than being soldered directly onto the body of the medal!
Here you can clearly see the joint between the front and rear sections of the medal.....not a casting line as some people used to think......
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[Nigel N]

Finish with a closer look at the central area, showing what a good job they did in making it match the rest of the medal...........
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-Nigel

[Nigel N]

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[Alex W.]

Hi Nigel,

I'm just coming back from a week on a cruise ship, so please excuse my late reply. Not a lack of interest but more of opportunity to reply.
That's a wonderful looking KVK 1st class made by Souval in the denazified variant.
The earliest zinc variants often suffer from faded finish. The early/mid-period KVK1 pieces however are often "packet" with frosting. The more - the better it looks. They usually have high polished edges. In combination with the frosted inner sections of the KVK these pieces are fantastic looking - I only have swastika variants I could show as a comparison.
The KVK 1st class is an underrated award IMO...

Best regards,
Alex

[Nigel N]

Thanks Alex ..... I was only joking , but it is disappointing sometimes when we see (what I think of as interesting pieces) something a little different, and no-one shows any interest? That's up to them I guess!!!
Anyway, if you want to show a postwar Souval in its original state, then it will make for a useful comparison!!
Here is another example with the 2nd style S&L pin and L/58 MM.....this one is with Swastika!!!
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[Borzadow]

What a GREAT piece !!!

I always like Souvals, especially those converted ones!
It's quite easy to find factory a de-nazified EK, but KVK... and with mark... !!!

Congrats

[Alex W.]

Here is one of mine. It a KVK 1st class of mid production period, made around 1965 and stamped L/58.
While the zinc pieces were produced earlier, they almost always suffer from faded finish. These mid production pieces made of Buntmetall really show what a nice type of finishing was still available in this postwar period. The heavy frosting it so thick - while the heavy polished edges are a fantastic contrast.
It came as part of a group of awards that were/are still wrapped in old shop cellophane.

[pattex]

As is typical for these KVK's, it is made of two separate pieces, an obverse, and a reverse section soldered together, polished highlights to the borders of the arms, sword crossguards, and spines of the blades.....

Hello Nigel,
to be honest I only could see a one piece construction or what do you mean with "two separate pieces"?

best regards
Pattex

[Alex W.]

Hello Nigel,
to be honest I only could see a one piece construction or what do you mean with "two separate pieces"?

best regards
Pattex

Looking at the reverse side pics of the KVK post by Nigel it clearly shows the seam of two seperate parts used....

[Chet Sowersby]

Alex,
That Souval example you posted is stunning!

Chet

[pattex]

Looking at the reverse side pics of the KVK post by Nigel it clearly shows the seam of two seperate parts used....

Hello,
I hope that contrary views are also welcome .

Here you can clearly see the joint between the front and rear sections of the medal.....not a casting line as some people used to think......

From my perspective this is definite a casting line. It makes no sense to produce a front and rear section, also from an economic aspect point of view.

You could find this casting line also on the most KCs of the KVK by Souval.

In addition to this, a soldering area will never go to the outside of the piece, as you can see it in the pictures - please compare the soldering of an iron cross for example.

best regards
Pattex