flat/vaulted KVKs -- same die?

[George Stimson]

I got no real response to these questions when I posted them in the "Flawed S&L RK" thread, but the answers might be relevant to the discussion therein (or just interesting generally), so I am posting them separately here in hope of getting some kind of clarifying answers.
I have two KVK 1s by K&Q. The most major difference between these two badges is that one example is heavily vaulted and the other is flat. (The vaulted piece appears to have been made that way, not vaulted by a recipient.) A comparison of the stippling patterns of both crosses shows them to be identical. Further, a die flaw on the right-hand border of the lower arm, just where it meets the wreath, is apparent on both examples. Because of this absolute commonality, I think that it is reasonable to assume that these two KVKs were struck, if not from the same die, then from two absolutely identical dies.
So, my questions are:
1. Were flat and vaulted badges struck from the same dies?
2. If so, can you explain how that would work (i.e., two differently shaped badges from the presumably singularly shaped die)?
3. If they weren't, do these two KVKs indicate two different -- but virtually identical -- dies being used in medal manufacturing?
KVK # 1:

[George Stimson]

Kvk # 2:

[Dietrich Maerz]

George,

for me it is absolutely inconceivable that two dies did exist, i.e one with a flat surface and one with a vaulted form. As inconceivable than the two die theory for absolutly identical RK's, by the way...

I would strongly think that the vaulted piece was produced in a second step operation whereas the straight cross was bend into the required shape with a from comprising of an upper part and a lower part, both in the vaulted form, maybe lined with rubber or wood not to scratch the surface.

But thats just my opinion...

[George Stimson]

I did visualize such a procedure and apparatus.
But does anybody know for sure about this?