Photos of Iron Crosses being manufactured...

[Tiger 1]

Gents,

Pic #3 shows the ring being soldered on. The arrangement of the EK frames in progress is probably just the way that manufacturor developed to do that particular job. The other photo shows thw same process but with the frames arranged differently. Different way of doing, same results. Maybe an individual preference of the craftsman doing the work at hand.

Applying flux to solder the frames together when the frames are overlapped like in pic #3 would cause an unnecessary cleanup later on in the process. Flux is used where one wants the solder to flow. Overlapping the frames like shown makes more sense in spot soldering the rings only. A better use of conscentrated heat.

Some manufacturors hand cut the frames, others used shearing dies to remove excess material.

The picture Biro posted of the assembly progression explains the process clearly.

Great thread!

Tony

[Remy Spezzano]

Well I didn't think these photos would stir up such a debate over how an IC was produced. But still it's great to see everyone offering their opinions.

Biro your post showing the flow-chart from S&L definitely shows us each step of the process which cann be easily matched to the three photos. Also there is some text written about the manufacturing process in the Stephen Thomas Previtera book "The Iron Time: History of The Iron Cross" on pages 232 to 237.

Also having the photos in your hands is a whole lot different then looking at a computer monitor so if anyone is interested in owning a set of all 3 photos in size 5" X 7" printed on real photographic paper and not by an ink jet printer. I will sell a set for only $20.- postage paid. Send me a PM for futher instructions if you would like a set for reference.

best regards,
Remy

[Ludwig]

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Very interesting photos!!! Thanks!!!

[greg.hays]

Tony, that made a lot of sense

[tinmantis]

fantastic photos, the kind of thing I wait years to see!
here's another close up, looks like the rings are on, and is that a pile of RKs on the right? they look much bigger...
regards
jon

[Calvin Hall]

Great thread. The photos really sheed some light on how quickly the parts were prepared for assembly. I wonder how much time was spent in the actual assembly and hand-finishing of the cross.

Seems like they could have made all the parts for all the Knights Crosses in about six months time.

[Minas Henrik]

Hi!

Thanks for the intressting fotos from the making of crosses.


Regards Henrik.

[Mooyman]

WOW!!

Best regards,

Ricardo.

[Christopher G.]

These are great pictures.....I always wondered how they did all this stuff....I would also love to see any pictures of combat badges being made !!