EK1 unusual halbetui --> Opinions please

[streptile]

OK, one more case from me... this one I'm thinking of buying.

I am trying to learn more about cases and packets, but it seems the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. There is quite a bit to understand about these!

This one's described as a "Halbetui" but it doesn't resemble Halbetuis I've seen (square corners, EK imprint on the lid). That said, I haven't seen that many.

Obviously this one is marked for Deumer. I'd imagine these marks wouldn't be the most difficult thing in the world to fake, so please have a look there and let me know if there's a problem with it.

So, does this one look all legit to you?









Your help is very appreciated!

Best,

[MH184]

Hi Trevor,


I don't have any contention with the lid liner, hinge covering, outer coverring (whcih to all intents is a nice earlier pattern) and the base appears to be a 621 KB cut.

However, I would like to see the base out of the bottom half of the shell and view that, and in addition in upper lid behind the lid liner where it has come away - I'd just like to match the ''glue spots'' as it were (the convex appearance of the liner would suggest it's half off as it is; if not loose already)

The base seems to reside a little low in the bottom half (probably the pic) and it's obviously had a wound badge sitting in there as you can see via the just visible impression - not that has anything to do with the price of eggs.

Also, I'd just like to view the hinge and the underside of the case and yet another picture of the cross motif at an angle to discern any stamp impression........that is if the seller wouldn't mind please.


Kr


Marcus

[streptile]

As always, thank you Marcus.

I went ahead and ordered this case after checking with the seller to make sure they had a "return for any reason" policy. It seemed quite difficult to explain all the specific answers and photos I required. So I will post new photos upon arrival. Until then...

the base appears to be a 621 KB cut.

I've done a forum search, and I think you mean that this type of insert could have this code imprinted into the bottom cardboard when it's removed, right?

Also, I'd just like to view ... another picture of the cross motif at an angle to discern any stamp impression.

I suppose what you mean is that there's a possiblity this one started out unmarked on the top (hence the imprint of the Wound Badge) and someone just stamped on an EK form. My question is: is a WB case so much less valuable that this would be worth it to someone?

Thanks,

[MH184]

I've done a forum search, and I think you mean that this type of insert could have this code imprinted into the bottom cardboard when it's removed, right?

Yes, that is correct. The EK and WB bases in the KB series of the hard shell cases are of basically the same template - as in the shells could be used for multiple of awards - the numbers are a code in relation to the cut/punch-out of the recess and thus in turn identify which awards the base recess could accommodate. This was the intention, but clearly not always the convenient means, nor practice it would seem later in the war.

How you identify the 621 (EK, KVK, Ost Volker......) and the 629 (Wound Badge) regardless of the colour of the base (insert) covering is by the shape of the recess.

This isn't always possible as with incorrect badges having been forced into the base recess, or the bonafied badges with pin's that are too long, or catches and hinges that are wider......etc legitimately deform the recess shape.

I'm fairly confident that your example is portraying a 621, the shape looks fine and there are no tell tales signs of a hinge having been forced into a 629 base; that I can see anyway.

It's always best to check of course.

This is an old pic of mine below I popped onto a German forum a few years ago with the differences between the 621 and 629. Where all this base recess recognition really comes into its own, is when you have an LDO case and you're perhaps unsure what award it was intended for.

[streptile]

Great image, thanks Marcus. I can clearly see the differences in the recesses.

Well, I will post this one when it arrives, and look forward to more thoughts then.

Just a quick last question: Are WB cases so much less valuable that it would make sense for someone to add an EK stamp to the top of one to up the price?

[MH184]

I suppose what you mean is that there's a possiblity this one started out unmarked on the top (hence the imprint of the Wound Badge) and someone just stamped on an EK form. My question is: is a WB case so much less valuable that this would be worth it to someone?

Yeah, I'm just being safe to be sure regarding the cross motif. My opinion could potentially waste you your money, so I'd rather be certain as much as I can be.

But even that aside, there are a couple of aspects it's best to check and certainly the condition overall, it could be damaged on the underside and have a broken hinge even.

And as to your question: type depending of course, but no not that less valuable.

I shouldn't say this yet, but I think you may just have a little gem of a case there actually!! Touch wood.

[streptile]

My opinion could potentially waste you your money, so I'd rather be certain as much as I can be.

I agree, and I appreciate it very much indeed.

I shouldn't say this yet, but I think you may just have a little gem of a case there actually!! Touch wood.

Ooh, let's hope.

Thanks again, Marcus.
More on this one asap.
Best,