wartime S+L RK frame '57er

[tinmantis]

Hi guys
sorry if this has been dicussed recently (and I missed it)
seller states this has a wartime S+L frame... what are your thoughts?

seller's discription:
"The cross is the type with the wartime Steinhauer frame but was probably manufactured in the late 60's, as the quality of the soldering shows a later construction. The central design of the oakleaf is also the second style with the squatter looking oakleaf spray. The iron centre isn't iron but a silvered metal that has been brassed and then been painted"
regards
jon

[tinmantis]

2

[Dietrich Maerz]

hi Jon,

now how can a second type 57 frame from S&L (the dipping ring frame) be wartime?
I guess the seller just heard something about post war crosses with war time frames and came up with his own hypothesis, or so!

Dietrich

[DavidM]

Hello Jon

I think that there may be an accidental flaw in the description, or intention of the description, of the cross. The seller says that it was probably manufactured in the 60's. The description of the wartime S&L frame is possibly just a reference to the style of the frame - which is that of S&L. I know which seller this is and, despite what some may say about him in these forums, (perform a search), I have always found him to be straightforward, with the items being original and as described - hence the reason for my statement above.

This cross is, in my opinion what is described as a mid production type as, despite its "well used and worn" appearance, the finish - or what can be disserned of it - is somewhat better than the late versions, but nothing like that of the early one. The frame doesn't appear to be a wartime produced frame.

I have posted two pictures for comparison, one is an early 57 RK, stamped 800 on the reverse and the other is late one with oak leaves, unmarked and with the poor paint work to the core. In particular note the difference in the ring eyes, (the bottom of it is just visible on the late version), and, (if you can zoom into the pictures), the fact that the early one has the flaws in the beading on the 3, 6 and 9'o clock arms.

Whether the one on offer is worth £100 is down to you to decide. The scans of it aren't brilliant but I'd say that the overall description is accurate. The condition of it is certainly "well used and worn". It could be that the frame will clean up and you could end up with a reasonable cross.

I hope this is of use / help.

Regards
David

[DavidM]

Late version 57 RK, with bad paint work on the core.

[tinmantis]

thanks guys, great help
I thought maybe I'd missed something in the S+L sordid history...
DavidM- I appreciate your time, your early one is a beaut!
regards
jon

[Laurence Strong]

Also note the lack of follow, which would indicate newer rather than older, on the inside of the susspension loop.

[Okrach]

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