rookie question: LDO / makers mark L/?

[Paul G]

Hello everyone,
I used the search function to try and find my answer, but got more information than I could sort through. I have a question regarding the makers marks on Iron crosses, and other badeges. When a badge is marked with a makers mark of , say L / 13 for example, is this indicating a replacement badge? Is an LDO marked case a replacement badge case? I thought I recall seeing something to this effect. I want to purchase (1) TR Iron cross first class, and I would like it to be a combat worn / awarded example. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks everyone for your input

PG-

[Dietrich Maerz]

In the case of an EK1 I think it's fairly safe to say that a PKZ numbered (i.e. only a number, no L/XX) is an awarded EK1. The same holds true for a EK1 w/o any marking.
But this is not to say that an L/XX marked piece was not worn during combat - most likely just not directly awarded. An LDO marked case is a private purchase.

Dietrich

[Paul G]

Thank you Dietrich!

PG-