EK1's--Marked vs. Unmarked

[LarryHW.]

Hello,

Am new to this site, but very impressed with it and the members.

Maybe a dumb question, but here goes.....

Would anyone want to offer idea whether most EK1's were marked or unmarked?

I have run across many, many obviously real ones that are unmarked, and a fair number of fakes (Flock and post-Flock) that have LDO codes and/or numbers punched into the cross back or pin.

Thanks very much.

[Gary B]

Dear Larry,

Not a dumb question....welcome to the forum!

I believe that Gordon Williamson's excellent book on the Iron Cross explains this question. If I remember correctly many of the early awarded pieces, before the establishment of the LDO, were unmarked. Following establishment of the LDO awarded pieces were marked with a assigned number and commercially avaialble pieces were marked with an assigned LDO number. Quality of material and construction was also regulated with the establishment of the LDO.

So in short answer to your question I would say that the maker marked pieces outweigh the non marked pieces.

I am sure one of the "Cross" collectors will be able to expand on this, or correct anything that I might have stated incorrectly.

Gary B

[LarryHW.]

Thanks!

[meriksson]

Yes LDO pices are markt. But i think the most off the awarded EK´s was un markt. Some do have the PKZ stampt some were on the back, but i think those are not that many if you look at the total awarded. Have in mind a LDO stampt EK is not awarded L/??, those are private purchase. Welcome to us
Mikael

[LarryHW.]

That is what I am finding.

Thanks, Mikael:

I am finding that most of the real EK1's I come across here (in US) are NOT marked. I don't know if you find the same in Europe. I wonder if it has something to do with where they came from? I am taking an educated guess that most of the EK's available here have been Vet bringbacks, at least until recently. Maybe the private purchase ones (LDO and/or number marked) were not worn in combat as much and might come from recipients estates? I guess its all part of the story of these pieces, which makes this such
an interesting hobby. :-)

[meriksson]

Unmarkt and those whit PKZ nr are awarded EK´s. And yes you find more EK´s that´s unmarkt here also. But i only collect those that is markt whit LDO or PKZ. I want all the makers but it´s hard still have a few to find. I wounder wen the EK habbit clinic will start
Mikael

[LarryHW.]

You need to start a self-help group. Give us a chance to come to Sweden for therapy!!

Unmarkt and those whit PKZ nr are awarded EK´s. And yes you find more EK´s that´s unmarkt here also. But i only collect those that is markt whit LDO or PKZ. I want all the makers but it´s hard still have a few to find. I wounder wen the EK habbit clinic will start
Mikael

[Darrell]

.... But i only collect those that is markt whit LDO or PKZ. I want all the makers but it´s hard still have a few to find. Mikael

Mikael ... that's because George has them all