My K&Q RK - Loop Question?

[Biro]

My newly arrived K&Q RK is just as I hoped it would be, but I have a question.

The 800 and mm stamp '65' on the sus. loop are facing the obverse and not to the reverse as I most commonly see on archive photos. Is there a 'rule' regarding this, I can find no posts that resolve this. Has the loop been removed at some point?

Or worse..........

If you want a look, follow my http link in the 'members' section, or here
<TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Home Page:
http://uk.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/marsdenbiro</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Cheers

[George Stimson]

"Has the loop been removed at some point?"

Since 1945? Very likely.

[Biro]

"Has the loop been removed at some point?"

Since 1945? Very likely.

Thanks George!!

Let me re-phrase....

When it was originally fitted, would the mm face front or rear, or is this not an issue?

[George Stimson]

I don't think it's really an issue, but if it was I would imagine that the marks would be to the rear so as not to be visible when the piece was worn.

[Biro]

Anyone else?

To my mind, this is yet another part of the 'authentication' process for a K&Q KC that beginners might need, and other members have not covered here.

It seems particularly relevant in relation to K&Q. I can only find one dealer who offers '65' KC's with the mm and silver stamp on the loop facing the front. Even 'archive' photos (from a different dealer!) and my photo database do not yeild any further examples. The only other one I have come across is in fact Sebastians K&Q which appears to be a 'non-maker marked' one but definitely has the '800' on the loop facing the obverse.

Again, this may be an irrelavance (in which case, I'm embarrased) but if there is a definitive answer to the question ......"when originally fitted, did the maker mark on the suspension loop face the reverse (as indeed aesthetics would probably imply) or was it random" ........it will enable me to establish for myself if the loop was removed at some point, why it was removed.

I only err so heavily on the side of caution because of what I have read here amongst forum members so keep up the good work.

Thanks in advance, and I wont push it any further from here....

[Brian S]

A good friend of mine in Victoria has one and his numbers were not visible to the front. Someone probably pulled off the loop to weigh the piece.

[CSP]

I own an original K&Q cross. I have owned it for almost 25 years. It has been pictured in the Forum before. It is a used piece. The loop markings are on the rear free running end of the loop. I looked at it and clearly, if it were to be rotated, they would be on the front free running end, just as you picture.

It makes sense that the assembly would try to get the markings on the reverse. As you know, due to the donut thickness, the K&Q is not apiece where the loop is easily rotated. Perhaps the one pictured was just a mistake they chose not to correct.

[Biro]

Hi Scott


Yes, I saw the post of your K&Q RK, and was delighted to see it had the 'lived in look' that I personally prefer in a KC although not so delighted to see the m/marks facing reverse!
It currently (with your blessing?) resides in my "authentic" photo database.

It is precisely because of the difficulty the donut ring would make in rotating/removing the loop, that I wonder what reason a vet/collector/ dealer would have for doing so. Weighing (as pointed out by Brian S) is an option, but then someone who new enough about RK's to weigh it for authenticity would surely know to replace the loop exactly as found.

Weitze has one for sale with '65' mm to obverse, but that is the ONLY one I can find. Kai's archived ones are all to rear, as are all the forum examples I can find with the exception of Sebastians as posted in this thread:

RKs

But then his is a beautiful original non m/marked K&Q with a suspension loop you could pass bread through!.

Are you able to shed any light Sebastian?

Cheers, and thanks Scott..

[Dave Kane]

Biro I believe you are attempting to read into something that's just not there!
Relax, because simply put, the suspension ring is a 'lefthand twist' as opposed to the most common right!
They weren't marked after they were bent but prior and as I have found, Knight's Crosses can provide a "signature" of the artist if we may call him that!
This loop was just made by a 'lefty' or he used the opposite end to start the bend than is commonly found!
Dave

[Dave Kane]

Example!

Here's a r and l

[Biro]

Thanks Dave - just what I was hoping to hear.

That pretty much nips it in the bud then!!

Excellent work gentleman. Now I can sleep.

Regards......

[Dave Kane]

However.....

[Dave Kane]

Just kidding...have a good night!

[Thomas Durante]

Just kidding...have a good night!

................excellent!!!!!!!!!1

[Henri S]

I am researching a K&Q RK being offered and found some info in this thread. Can I ask if the markings here are correct? Is this what you were talking about? Or is this a mess up? In my opinion compared to other pictures I have seen here, the ring looks thin. Opinions from any K&Q owners.