An 'Off Center' EKII Core. Did that happen, or is it post-war?

[johninhb]

Hi guys,

I have a question please concerning an EKII that I just purchased. The core is off center toward the right, with both the swastika and the date. Did this ever happen, (can the cores shift) or does it indicate a possible repro?

Below are both the front and back scans. The 'washed out' look of the black core is the glare from my scanner. It is the normal color in person. The EK appears to be the normal size and weight compared to another example that I have that I know to be original. It is 3 piece, with a magnetic core, but without a maker mark in the ring.

I would sure appreciate any thoughts and advice.

Thanks in advance,
John

[johninhb]

Reverse.....

[mdn]

I have heard talk of EK2's having being seperated when being e.g. denazified, but you are probably aware of this... It seems strange that it is only the front that seems to be off center though. But I don't know much about these matters at all.
Regards
Morten

[johninhb]

Hi Morten,

Thanks for your thoughts on this. It almost looks like the core used was meant for a larger frame, but yet shouldn't they all be consistently the same size?

Very odd

Best regards,
John

[Darrell]

Contrary to popular belief .. the 3rd Reich was not infallible, and mistakes and QA flubups did occur.

Nothing to be alarmed about. Many Iron Crosses have a slightly smaller core than the frame it sits in ... thus they tend to rattle when shaken.

[schönbeck]

its quite common to find off-centred cores. But your cross even seems to have a frame that is wider on the right than on the left. At least from what I can see from the photos.

[johninhb]

Thank you guys for your input on this, I really appreciate it.
Sounds like it might be the real deal, just an off centered one

Thanks again,
John

[Adrian]

Nothing wrong with the EK IMO. Certain makers produced EKs with noticeably loose cores, I can't remember right now which ones tend to rattle about more than others but I have a feeling that Berg & Nolte, '40' might have been one of them. Maybe one of the other members can name a few?

[Robert P.]

Here's an EKI I found in my files that has a rotated core. Notice in every arm the step in the core showing. I've noticed this a lot of many, even my own, Souvals.

Robert

[johninhb]

Thanks to all

I feel confidant now that it is legit.

[Adrian]

Just out of interest here is one from my collection with a mis-aligned core, although the core is tight, the swastika is under the beading in the inner corner. I don't think this is a result of it having moved there but I think it more likely this was how the cross was assembled.