Schinkel Form EK2 - To Clean or Not??

[monty]

Just acquired a Schinkel Form EK2 in a horrible (to some) uncleaned state. The frame on this is rather messy - but the core paint is in very nice state. Being a Schinkel - opinions on cleaning or not in relation to value please?

Thanks in advance.

[JerryW]

As far as cleaning goes, to each his own. I usually put a gentle clean on my EKs - GENTLY mind you. Damp Q-tip and a toothpick to get rid of dirt and make sure no corrosion is hidden.

As for your cross, it looks awfully beefy to be a Schinkel. Is this the picture you meant to post?

I did a quick search and found this picture, originally posted by George, which is a great comparison photo. From left to right - Schinkel, Normal, Uebergrosse.

Jerry

[monty]

re EK2

Here it is alongside another 39 EK2. The Cross posted above has a smaller swastika and date. It has a slimmer, less chunky profile when viewed from side on. Weight is around 17 gms. Has a magnetic core. Non-magnetic centre. Three piece construction. Also has a protrusion from the top of the frame that the ring eyelet attaches to.
Thanks.

[George Stimson]

Nope. Not a Schinkel.

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Monty,

Aside from whether or not the EK2 is a Schinkel, I think you'll have problems cleaning the rim on this example. The darker areas are probably basemetal where the nice silver ?plating? have been removed, so they won't clean up imo. Polishing might make them shinier for a while but you'll probably damage the remaining silver finish in the process. The core looks dirty so a quick brush with a soft toothbrush and soapy water should be OK - have your wife's hairdryer lined up and ready to blowdry the core otherwise the core will rust from the rims inwards!

Regards
Mike K

PS: the definition of a "Schinkel" seems to be expanding these days - nice way for dealers to make a few extra bucks, until another collector sees it for what it is!

[Tiger 1]

Not Schinkel style

Hello Monty,

The cross you posted is not a Schinkel style. I don't have my collection readily available at the moment but this cross looks to be an L/55 or 100 made by the firm of Wachtler & Lange. Their EKs had the smaller swastika and the broader look of the cross you show.

I would be very careful with cleaning the cross. To remove the patina with a polish will result in further loss of the remaining plating or original protective lacquer. The cross will also loose it's honorable age and will look like it was made yesterday. IMO that looks like hell.

I would second the recommendation of a gentle washing with a soft brush and some neutral soap to just remove any dirt and oils. Follow up with a thorough drying with hair dryer to prevent the forming of rust as was suggested above.

Looks like a nice cross with some history enjoy it as such.

Best regards and good hunting!

[George Stimson]

Although it is tempting to speculate that Monty's EK is a Wachtler & Lange, especially because of the hump at the center of the upper arm where the ring is attached, I don't think it is one. Here are the numbers on my "100" - marked W&L for comparison.

[George Stimson]

Is this EK a likelier candidate for a match? It also has the hump. Alas, it is unmarked and I have not been able to determine the manufacturer.

[Blitz]

It's definetly a "100", here is mine for comparison:



Brothers, but mine is in a slightly better state

[Tiger 1]

George,

In the second picture posted by Monty, the reverse side, there seems to be the 100 stamp on the ring just to the left of the eye.

I still see this cross as being very close to a unmarked Wachtler and Lange.

What ever it is it's a nice cross, age and all.

[George Stimson]

100?

Well, maybe so!

[J Temple-West]

Here's an example of a true 'Schinkel Form' EK2, for comparison...