War merit cross real or fake?

[Kryptos]

Before I start I want to say hi to everyone as this is my first post on the forum. I started WWII militaria collecting about two months ago. Have been focussing on wehrmacht militaria as this is so unique to this period of history.

And having started I also started realising the prevalence of fakes amongst the collecting community. With this in mind I would appreciate any comments on the images below of a war merit cross with swords that I am looking at buying. Does this appear to be fake or real? And what are the general guidelines to spotting real merit crosses?

I know the photographs are not the best but this is what I could get from the seller.

[wh014d4394]

hi there. these are very very common.so with these pics only.i would say. its a safe bet its right

[Kryptos]

Thanks.

Yes, kinda starting at the bottom and working my way up. Will start investing in rarer pieces once I have gained some experience in the area.

[Andy B.]

Looks good to me. Is the ring maker marked? KVK's are still reasonable and one of my favorites to collect.
Sincerely Andy B.

[Kryptos]

Looks good to me. Is the ring maker marked? KVK's are still reasonable and one of my favorites to collect.
Sincerely Andy B.

That I dont know yet. Kinda get one mail per day from the seller to info is not easy to come buy. But his service once purchased is great.

Should the ring be maker marked or are the KVKs like the EK2s with a lot not stamped?

[Andy B.]

Yes they are just like the EK2s. Some are marked and some are not. I like them either way.
Andy

[Adrian]

Welcome to the forum and good for you for gathering opinions before spending! No harm in that!
The KVK looks to be an original example. Don't forget the search button at the top right, you'll find answers to most things using that one.

[D&G]

I also think its a good one

[Kryptos]

Welcome to the forum and good for you for gathering opinions before spending! No harm in that!
The KVK looks to be an original example. Don't forget the search button at the top right, you'll find answers to most things using that one.

Thank you!!!

I make use of the search function a lot but few things help as much as people with oodles of experience telling me whether or not my instincts were correct or not

And quite honestly, the more I realise what I have gotten myself into the more intrigued I am becoming. The necessity for fake detection actually forces you to study these awards in a far more detailed manner and I think I have already learned things I may never have if this had not been the case.

Hey it will still be painful if I find out parts of my collection is fake, as I am collecting for the sake of the historical weight these items have and not the swastika (as all of us I am sure) but I cant say that I am not at least having a bit of fun playing Sherlock Holmes in this hobby. Certainly a facet that none of my other hobbies share

[PABLO_Teale]

Welcome aboard Kryptos! KVK's are a good place to start, a KVK 2nd Class with swords was my first (bought) piece, one of the nicest designs in my opinion. This hobby is VERY addictive!

[Kryptos]

Welcome aboard Kryptos! KVK's are a good place to start, a KVK 2nd Class with swords was my first (bought) piece, one of the nicest designs in my opinion. This hobby is VERY addictive!

Thanks!!!

Hmmm yes, finding myself reading a lot and ordering books and kind of planing unscheduled stops to antique shops and the local militaria supplier hahahahaha.

[Nigel N]

you can never have too much knowledge! i think the forum is the best place to look, ive never seen any book that comes close! plus there seems to be new and better fakes appearing all the time!!