KVK1 Screwback help needed!

[MattS]

Sorry for the scans! I believe this is an original as it came from the same lot as the 2 spanges I discussed last week. The backing plate is on tight and I'm looking for ideas on loosening it (mostly to see if it is marked) without damaging it. Thanks for any input!
Matt

[MattS]

Not much of a rear pic, but any ideas on removal would be great!

[Frank K]

The standard screwback looks like the one below. You just screw it on and off like a standard screw.

Yours doesn't look like the standard one though, field made(?), so you can try to screw it off but be very careful not to break it completely.

[MattS]

That's the problem, it's on so tight it won't unscrew with hand pressure. Short of putting vice grips to it, I was looking for ideas on loosening it (flame, oil, WD-40, hot water) and what everyone thought would do the least damage. Obviously flame and oils would not be ideal, I wondered if anyone had a home remedy for a tight screwback.

[Darrell]

Mind showing a picture of the side of the cross and screwplate? From those pictures I'd say you have a second class converted to a 1st Class screwback. As bad as that picture is, I can see details on the reverse of the badge. For a first Class it should be blank ...

[MattS]

Darrell, you are right, it is a modified (?) 2nd class cross as it has an obverse side. This belongs to a friend, all he has is a scanner so these are the only photos I have. I have not seen another one like it, my first thought was that is was some kind of private purchase special order. Maybe it was field done, I thought it appeared to have been painted silver at one time also. This lack of 'professional' work could explain why we can't get the backing plate off.

[Frank K]

Mind showing a picture of the side of the cross and screwplate? From those pictures I'd say you have a second class converted to a 1st Class screwback. As bad as that picture is, I can see details on the reverse of the badge. For a first Class it should be blank ...

You're right Darrell, was so focused on the disc that I didn't see this.

Matt, if you are trying to unscrew it to look for a makermark I don't think you should continue. Most probably there isn't any and if there were, you should be able to see it with the disc on.