my last EK 1. Klasse... your comments?

[Klaus O.]

Dear forumites,

I am proud to present my newest acquisitions: 4 nice IC 1st class. Since I have been "studying" I think that all the details of these IC are correct to the originals. However, I would be very appreciative to hear your comments. For instance I think that the convexes crosses (screw back L/13 and double marked Steinhauer & Lück - 4) have been bent after production, either by the wearers or after WWII. In fact, convexes crosses during WWII weren't official and weren't tollerated.

Thank you very much in advance for your most precious comments!

Ciao,

Claudio

[Klaus O.]

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Here the reverse of the crosses...

[George Stimson]

I want the Meybauer -- and the S&L!

Claudio,

That is an extremely nice quartet!

[Mark S.]

Splendid assortment of crosses! I see you have been busy!

A couple comments, and/or curious questions...

Although I agree to the point that there were quite possibly hand vaulted crosses, I disagree that all were done by hand. My first impression is that a hand vaulted cross would be ripe for distortion in the worst kind of way. I would think that a soft silver frame would 'give' long before the iron center would, resulting in quite possibly peeling the frame clean off the cross, or at the very least, having it lift up from the core, particulary towards the center. I seriously doubt this could be done with just ones hands, but not wanting to try it at home, I will leave that as an educated guess!

And my question~

Why would a maker double strike their crosses with both the L number and the prasi number? Doesnt this kind of fly in the face of the LDO number=retail outlet/Prasi number=awarded peice? I know that these arent hard and fast rules, but it did strike a chord with me.

Just thinking out loud, and not contesting! Excuse me now as I go back to admiring your lovely additions!

[Calvin Hall]

Yes,

I agree with George. Very nice quartet - especially the double marked S&L cross. I dont know that I have seen a double marked S&L before. All appear to be in very nice condition.

Mark,

I have often wondered about double markings found on these EK1s. I dont guess that we will ever know the answer.

Perhaps by double marking them, the maker did not have to keep his 'retail' crosses separate from his 'official award' crosses. Maybe the accountants are to blame!

Are there any rules saying that the awards cannot be marked for both private purchase and official award?

FWIW, I have never really understood the purpose of the LDO. If memory serves the LDO basically served as an overseer for the private purchase market. If a manufacturing firm was licensed to make Iron Crosses for offical award uses, why would the not be good enough to make the very same crosses for private purchase?

Calvin

[Klaus O.]

double marked EK 1. Kl. L/16 & 4

Thank you guys for your extremely positive and quick comments. The double marked Steinhauer & Lück is really nice.

Mark,

Although I can't prove it, if such double marked crosses existed, I don't think that the markings of my IC have been reproduced or added, because they are really tiny, crisp and well made. Furthermore why would a fake-producer double mark his crosses? On the other hand you never know... Perhaps it would be nice to hear a comment from Mr. Williamson about it. I don't like too much the catch of this IC... (detail below) ...am I being to picky? I must admit that I bought it because of the double marking... Maybe I can be a IC that have been produced with the LDO retauil markings and afterwards sent to the Präsidialkanzlei or the other way around.

Claudio

[Klaus O.]

double marked EK 1. Kl. L/16 & 4

close up of the front from an angle to see the height of the svastika.

[Klaus O.]

EK 1. Kl. "65" Klein & Quenzer

...and what about the tiny flaws on the lower arm of my "Klein & Quenzer" (cased)? I have also noticed that the svastica is not so "high raised" or precise (more angular, squared) like my "Zimmermann". You can really tell the difference of quality from maker to maker... Your comments?

P.S.: the flaws on the lower cross are marked within a red circle.

[Mark S.]

Claudio my friend! I think your cross is just fine! I never intended to imply it wasnt! Sorry for the misunderstanding!

I was just curious as to why a cross would have two marks, but didnt mean to cast doubt on your beautiful cross! I think it is 100% real.

[Klaus O.]

Dear Mark,

I did understand what you were saying... no offence taken. Actually I do really see your point. On the other hand Germans were quite known to make up a lot of rules that weren't often follow: How un-tetonic and un-disciplined! That's why I like so much their unifoms and medals! The study of medals and uniform is by no means a mathematical science...

Ciao,

Claudio

[Klaus O.]

Dear Carl,

Actually in my opinion the Zimmermann looks really sharp... very nice and crisp details...

Be careful... sometimes there're really nice IC on the e-stand.

Good hunting!

Ciao,

Claudio

[mads]

Claudio, I really love those EK`s.
I only wish mine where so minty.

Mads

[IVAN]

Ciao, dear friend!

I see you have done good purchases in Stuttgart ( I think)! very nice pieces. I like very much EK with the high svastika, they are very atractiv pieces!

Peccato che non ci siamo visti. We will see to Novegro!

double maker 4 is very nice and rare.

Ivan

[John G]

Hello Claudio,

Very nice set of crosses...my compliments.

I do not think your L/13 is hand bent...mine exhibits the same characteristics.

Where did you pick these up?

John

[John G]

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