WW1 EK-1 -- magnetic centre?

[willow]

Hello;

I have query regarding the WW1 EK-1 award.

I have been told that the centre of the EK-1 and EK-2 must always be made of iron and be magnetic. Is this correct??

I ask because I have just picked up a WW1 EK-I. The award is 3 piece construction, nice lacquer with correct pin and assembly. The award came from an estate and I’m 95% sure to providence. However, this award is NOT magnetic. Perhaps the lacquer is thick enough to inhibit the magnetic properties of iron (I doubted).

I have also heard that naval awards were not made from iron (to stop rust). Is this true??

Thank you….IAIN

[keifer kahn]

hi Iain,
Im pretty sure that not all WW1 eks had magnetic centres.
Certainly WW2 ek,s didnt,

As for the naval connection,thats a fallacy.

"Der rittmeister" have at the moment a couple of non magnetic cored ek1,s for sale.

Also put"brass" in the search engine and choose the imperial forum as your target area.

I think there are a few brass cored ek,s referenced there.

[willow]

Thanks for the information.

The information about the iron center was told to me by a fairly unreliable source, but it sent alarms bells ringing as I have a few non magnetic EK -and EKE-2 awards from both wars!

Put another way - I had to double/triple check..... Iain