how does one tell the difference in EK stick pins?

[cadetarotc]

Hello Everyone,

I just have a quick question. I often see stickpins for sale that say ek2, ek1, and RKs to me from the pictures they all look very similiar. So how do you tell the difference??

Also were there any hallmarks on them, and if so what should they be??

Thanks for all your help.

Jason

[Sebastian Bianchi]

On the ones that I have seen, the RK is biggest, EK 1 is smaller, and EK 2 even smaller. A good question (and I gather your question) is how to tell the difference if you only have one, and I can't answer because I do not have the measurements.

Seba

[Gordon Williamson]

There were actually fairly well defined regulations for these stickpins. Dr Doehle sets these out in his "Die Auszeichnungen des Grossdeutschen Reiches". Basically, the smaller size stickpins weare all familiar with at an average size of 9-10mm are the regulation ones as prescribed by the Ordenskanzlei.
The Iron Cross stickpin, if a solo, represents the EK2, if two identical pieces are put together they represent the EK2 and EK2. If you have two small and one larger that's the EK2, EK1 and RK. You can also find them with one large and one small. This can represent the RK and EK1 (the EK2 being worn separately on a small ribbon bow) or is also though by some to be simply a variant of the EK1/EK2 combo. However, such combos do definitely exist which represent RK/First Class combos, specifically the large/small combo of KVK Silver with Swords. Of course if it represented KVK1 and KVK2, one would be bronze. So, the precedent for a large/smallcombo representing a Knights Cross/First Class without the Second Class certainly exists.

It is also generally accepted that a slightly larger EK on its own , but in a silvered/enamelled finish rather than just painted, represents an RK.

As for hallmarks, these stickpins are often found with LDO stamps and even the EK1/EK2 combos are found in 800 silver. I recently had an EK1/EK2 combomstamped L/50 800 on the reverse for Godet. On the other hand you are just as likely to find a stickpin RK with Oaks in painted zinc. There doesn't appear to have been any hard and fast rules on materials/markings.

Gordon

[Mark S.]

Here are pictures of a couple of stickpins I have. I just presumed that since the Iron Crosses were the same size, with no special significance (as one would expect from a RK) that they are representative of a 1st/2nd class combo.

Of course the KVK's being silver and bronze I naturally thought they were for the 1st/2nd class combo as well.

These are both the 9mm variety.

[cadetarotc]

Thanks again everyone.

Jason