Frosted look on EK 2s

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear all,

I wanted to hear your opinions about the "frosted" look on some mint to near mint EK2s (and EK1s). My understanding so far was that this frosted look is a true "silvery" one as found on some other higher quality badges with a bright silver plating. This EK2 shown here has that frosted look to the beading, but on examination it is actually not "silvery" but "light grey", almost paint or laquer like. This light grey laquer can be found on the beading only, the frame itself has a very silver plated and shiny look to it.
Is that ok? Otherwise it looks fine, from the ribbon to the actual award. No maker´s mark.
I am just asking because it looks different from my other three EK2s that seem to have a silver frame as opposed to this one which seems to be silver plated.

Cheers, Frank

[Bruce Simcox]

Normal and desirable

Hi Frank,

Not to worry about the 'frosting' on the EKI's and II's and RK's as well, like that. As I recall, from learning about this from some of our more erudite fellows here, it's ok and desirable too. I am pretty sure that they all came looking like that from the factory.

--------------------

Bruce

[Frank Heukemes]

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for this and sorry if I was not clear on this, but my essential question is: is grey laquer finish on the beading ok or should it be matte silver?

Cheers, Frank

[Gordon Williamson]

Frank,

There were several methods used by different makers to achieve the so called "frosted" effect on the inner frame of iron crosses. Some like Steinhauer had that almost "white" effect as on the piece you show. Others (like Klein & Quenzer, Deumer etc) were very much a matt silver effect.
There are several methods of achieving this. You can heat the silver and plunge it into an acid bath. Areas not tetaed with acid resistant covering will take on the frosted look. Some were "painmted" with a caustic solution, then baked in an oven to give the white effect. There were several different methods used.

The appearance of yours is perfectly acceptable, and a very nice example.

Gordon

[hawksy]

Hello There,

I have one, that i got from Detlev nearly identical to the one you posted Frank, it is very near mint condition frosting identical and everything but the eye loop for the ribben ring is different on mine, the one i have the eye loop goes actualy through the frame,i noticed on yours it is attached braised to the edge outside the frame, iv'e never noticed it till now.


lee.

[Frank Heukemes]

@Gordon: Thank you for confirming this.

@Lee (hawsky): I am convinced this variation is just fine, i have several original EK2s some with the small loop through the frame, some with the loop soldered to it.

Cheers, Frank

[hawksy]

Hello Frank (Munich) got me at it now, i think i try and change my user name.
Thank's for the reasurance, it did make me think though, you know how it is just a small thing can distinguish fakes from the real thing.

lee.