Rudel's 1957 RK with Gold Diamonds, Late or Reproduction?

[Tribley]

I bought this 57er RK along with this DKiG from the same eBay seller several months ago, marlies1944, who was discussed previously on the forum:

http://wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/s...d.php?t=113758

The cross came in a case identical to the DKiG case but with a cutout for the ribbon in the top. The silver finish and the black paint are nearly a perfect match to the Deumer EK1 I posted earlier, but like the DKiG, the paint is wearing off fast. The frame appears to be silver plated brass and the center may also be the same. I am not sure if it is one piece or more but it feels like one piece.

This one also cost about $50, so is this a late S&L collector's copy or a copy made by someone else?

-Jordan

[Tribley]

Closeup of the diamonds

[Tribley]

Closeup of the cross obverse:

[Tribley]

Cross reverse:

[Tribley]

Markings on oakleafs and cross:

[Tribley]

Multiple pieces or casting marks?

[Tribley]

Last photo: the other side.

My gut feeling is with Peter -- that the DKiG and this cross are copies, but Philips was the only one in the other thread on Marlies1944 that was certain these are copies.

[Darrell]

Afraid this is a bad copy as well mate. Why would an "800" be on silver paint on brass? Likewise the Oaks / swords are probably painted as well.

[Tribley]

I think the oakleaves may be made of the same metal as the cross, I don't think they are painted.

Does anyone own an S&L RK manufactured after 2000?

At least I did good with the Deumer EK, and the pre-57 KVK, and several other 57 items since joining the forum!

But I do own Adolf Galland's RK with oaks and swords:

[coastie]

I see your Galland and I'll raise you with a Rudel

[Darrell]

I see your Galland and I'll raise you with a Rudel

Where did you guys get these?

[coastie]

Where did you guys get these?

Here Darrell a whole new field of collecting

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ad.php?t=68470

[Tribley]

I fold... No more TR personalities

But I have a friend here who went on 130 of these marches and still has the medals somewhere in his bunker. I'll try to get over there this week and see what he has. I'll post my small collection on the Wandertag thread!

-Jordan

[Henri S]

Hi Jordan

I doubt very much that these are S&L. I would assume that S&L would continue manufacturing RKs in 3 piece and not downgrade to single piece inferior quality items. As you have seen from other nice quality 57ers you now have, there is a big difference in quality.

[ben bijker]

and this particular seller seems to have an endless stock.
(Like Gen. Bader's Trunk, but filled with '57 awards)

ben