Strange LDO Case Variant

[5tefan]

Hi,

what is your opinion? It's the first time, that I see this kind of type?

[kriztof]

Pg 583 of The Iron 1st Class book has one, the only difference being that the example in the book has an EK stencil on the lid.


Chris

[George Stimson]

Copied to "Cases."

[Allan P.]

Is this for a wound badge?

Allan

[deejay]

I also think this is for a 1939 wound badge gold type. Not that strange to me unless different measurements compared to others.

[MH184]

Is it for a VWA?


It could be, as I believe it could also house an EK1 and perhaps - albeit, this cases base covering being white - suitable for the KVK and Ost, too.

The first thing that springs to mind is that it is not a 629 (VWA) base and resembles more the 621 (EK1, Ost, KVK) recess.

However, on such mid to late versions (as indeed we see these ''furry'' sorts in all manner of arrangements in various cases, at that. For example: metal and paper hinges; lid liner or base being ''furry'' or non-furry....so on and so forth. Oh, and not forgetting the hinge covering too!!

There's no science to these ''variations'', they are just combinations of materials at hand and use of surplus existing stocks of parts (in a lot of such cases, if we delve into the Luft cases for a moment, there is more of a trend in purpose. Although, such cases were not produced in the quantity of the wound and cross awards; although, I have a habit in such instances to refer to these as transitional. The latter has credence, sure, and these are some series of cases and examples that I may use to illustrate the evolution; broadly speaking and for the want of better words.

Probably too much information and not enough detail or explanation, but I'm you sure kinda follow

Anyway, back to the case in question, it's probably a more generic in purpose case/base recess, for that is, either the VWA or indeed the EK. This is also supported by the ''later'' variants we see with non-coded bases in the LDO range of that time, or indeed coded bases with non convention related awards in them. That being all well good, the outer covering in this instance is reminiscent of a wound case covering, I must say. The base is also seated rather low and in my estimation it may have likely had a VWA in it, but as I profess, I don't think it would be incorrect to rule out the use for a EK, also.

Is the base a hard compressed cardboard base, or the more flimsy base with the sides that extend down to support its position?


Kind Regards,


Marcus

[Colorado]

Bringing this to the top. I happened across this L/11 EK1 with case and the case has no Iron Cross stencil on the lid.

The base is marked "629". I have no doubt they have been together since the Vet brought them home (look at EK rust impression on silk on lid). Could they be original together, or is this a WB case that got paired with the EK at some time after it left the factory?

[Colorado]

Case outside

[Gew44]

Bringing this to the top. I happened across this L/11 EK1 with case and the case has no Iron Cross stencil on the lid.

The base is marked "629". I have no doubt they have been together since the Vet brought them home (look at EK rust impression on silk on lid). Could they be original together, or is this a WB case that got paired with the EK at some time after it left the factory?

The case is surely for VWA because Hauptmünzant Wien III never made any EK and the cross put inside after..... when ?? Probably after the war but not is an original EKI combo factory made.

My too I've found a similar combo, case VWA marked B.H.Mayer and inside a Wiedmann EKI. I'm sure was for VWA because remained the shadow on velvet inside.

Only my 2 cents

[MH184]

The case is surely for VWA because Hauptmünzant Wien III never made any EK and the cross put inside after..... when ?? Probably after the war but not is an original EKI combo factory made.

My too I've found a similar combo, case VWA marked B.H.Mayer and inside a Wiedmann EKI. I'm sure was for VWA because remained the shadow on velvet inside.

Only my 2 cents

Good points and I agree, too!

629, is a base identification code and basically designates the suitability of the recess area to accommodate the intended awards. The 629 KB is in fact the very code for the VWA, where as the code 621 was customarily used for the EK, KVK and Ost Volk.

Therefore, I think it's far to say, this very case in its form would have been ordered and manufactured with the intent to house a VWA.

Kind regards,

Marcus

[Colorado]

Thanks Gents. It is interesting because this cross I know has been untouched since the war and the imprint and EK1 rim stain is clearly there on the lid of the case.

It is very unlikely the US Vet would have thought to match a cross and case together. Wonder if fallen German Soldier's family may have placed the cross in such a box and later it was taken by a GI. That would make more sense to me.