EK II converted to Knights Cross ?

[Douglas J Schrack]

Last week at a meeting I was shown pictures of an Iron Cross that was purchased in Belgium in 1979 at a local shop. The Iron Cross was sold as an EK II . However the cross clearly has an eyelet that had been soldered on and an attachment ring device very similar to an original looking Knights Cross. The cross is clearly an original Second Class EK . Having seen many photos of second class conversions, this is one I have not. I have been promised scans in detail that may show us more. Any thoughts on this?

Doug

[George Stimson]

It will be interesting to see the scans, but the problem with such pieces is that it is impossible to tell when any conversion work was done. It could have been 1943, it could have been 1993. Without an iron-clad provenance, such EK2 to RK conversions will always (understandably and correctly) be viewed with suspicion.

George

[Gordon Williamson]

George is 100% correct. Without provenance, value will be low, with provenance it could easily run to four figures. Provenance is all important!

[Douglas J Schrack]

Knights Cross Conversion

George and Gordon:
Here is more of the story. The person purchased the cross himself as a young U.S. Marine while touring the Bulge battlefields. He was living in Germany at the time with his father and family who was also stationed there. This was 24 years ago.
Knowing my interest he pulled it out of storage in January to tell me about it as we were getting together for a regional meeting. All he knows is that he has a Second Class Cross. There may never be anything more than what you guys are able to tell us about it. Apparently he paid the equivalent of 50.00 U.S. As soon as I get scans, I will try to post them. Have you ever seen or heard of a conversion such as this ?

Doug

[George Stimson]

Several variations of EK 2 to RK conversions are illustrated in Gordon's book The Iron Cross of 1939.

George