1939 EK 1st class

[brownshirts]

hi guys,

could someone ID the maker of this cross,its sat in my collection many years now.
it could do with the silver rim being cleaned up to shine again.

the pin bar has a 4 stamped on it.
i was told that the core of these rusted when exposed to salt water...ie;on u boat,patrol boats...etc(they had the core replaced)

has mine lost it black due to this or just old age????

regards
matthew

[brownshirts]

1939 Ek

heres the pin set up with maker mark just about showing

[Darrell]

Your EK was manufactured by Steinhauer & Luck (S&L for short). The core is iron and will rust if exposed to moisture. Doesn't have to be salt water. The paint is a barrier to the water contact on the iron. Once that leaves, the core will rust if exposed to the wrong combination of atmospheric elements.

[Peter Wiking]

If it is a Steinhauer & Lück at all, it will be from a postwar manufacturing. This cross was not manufactured before May 1945.

Peter

[grueni1208]

I don't know why, but I have no good feeling to this EK I.

Regards

Daniel

[all1knew]

Hello there,

Not genuine.

William Kramer

[WEISNER]

If it is a real Wartime cross? Do not clean it! Curious to know what Peter, Daniel and William see that would make them think it is post war? Is it the poor looking beading, In example the crosshatch?
I am anctious to learn?
Kevin

[Peter Wiking]

If it is a real Wartime cross? Do not clean it! Curious to know what Peter, Daniel and William see that would make them think it is post war? Is it the poor looking beading, In example the crosshatch?
I am anctious to learn?
Kevin

There are many reasons to why the cross is not original:
- The uneven ribbs in the frame.
- The scorched reverse plate.
- The solder splatter around the hinge and needle hook.
- The unsymetrical needle.
- The lack of finish.

Peter

[brownshirts]

1939 Ek

There are many reasons to why the cross is not original:
- The uneven ribbs in the frame.
- The scorched reverse plate.
- The solder splatter around the hinge and needle hook.
- The unsymetrical needle.
- The lack of finish.
.
the unsymetrical needle is due to the fact the loop is not holding it tight anymore,it has wore loose,to leave the uneven look,it will sit in correct position. I noticed on several crosses on this tread that also have this problem.

the lack of finish?.....does that mean any item that is not mint must therefore be a fake?we see ground dug items with no core at all!!!!

im interested in the opinions that confirm or deny fakes differ from 1 item to the next,an unsymetrical pin on 1 is okay...then on another its a fake
im also interested in the meaning of"uneven ribbs in the frame".....this item was brought way before the days of internet experts at our finger tips,it was picked due to a maker stamp,correct style pin,sharp detail to swastika,all this was took into account before purchase was made.

[WEISNER]

Thanks Peter! The poor solder job should have been a dead giveaway to me besides the frame beading.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my query.
Kevin

[Peter Wiking]

There are many reasons to why the cross is not original:
- The uneven ribbs in the frame.
- The scorched reverse plate.
- The solder splatter around the hinge and needle hook.
- The unsymetrical needle.
- The lack of finish.
.
the unsymetrical needle is due to the fact the loop is not holding it tight anymore,it has wore loose,to leave the uneven look,it will sit in correct position. I noticed on several crosses on this tread that also have this problem.

the lack of finish?.....does that mean any item that is not mint must therefore be a fake?we see ground dug items with no core at all!!!!

im interested in the opinions that confirm or deny fakes differ from 1 item to the next,an unsymetrical pin on 1 is okay...then on another its a fake
im also interested in the meaning of"uneven ribbs in the frame".....this item was brought way before the days of internet experts at our finger tips,it was picked due to a maker stamp,correct style pin,sharp detail to swastika,all this was took into account before purchase was made.

Mathew
I purchased my first Iron Cross 25 years ago before there were color photos in the books. It is only through reading and listening that i slowly learned, something i am still doing.


Unsymetrical means that the shape of the left and right side of the needle is different to each other.
Uneven ribbs ((((( on the frame means that some appears very worn in random places and in a way that do not fit with normal wear.
Lack of finish means just that. There is none. This piece is marked "4" which is St&L. This company (St&L) is known for very fine and strong finishes (frosting and polish) on their crosses which yours do not have.

Peter

[brownshirts]

1939 Ek

peter,

i take note of your details regarding the iron cross....medals are not my field in collection,i was given my great grandfathers 1914 iron cross and a beautiful medal bar from both wars....it was these that got me hooked into the ww2 german items......as years go on you tend to build up knowledge of items you purchase,where in the early years if it was from a dealer you like to think their selling 100% okay item(this is where these forum sites are fantastic)....second opinions can be obtained before purchase is made,be it a private or dealer.

many thanks once again
regards
mathew

[Douglas 5]

Yes , a bad cross with a few things that indicate that , the flat surface 4 in the box ??
... and as mentioned some strange features are ok on other crosses , ....
Douglas

[Blued]

If it is a Steinhauer & Lück at all, it will be from a postwar manufacturing. This cross was not manufactured before May 1945.

Peter

Why do you say it has to be post-war?

[Peter Wiking]

Why do you say it has to be post-war?

Postwar means after the war. After 8 of May 1945.

Peter