WMC-KC - Opinions?

[bobcam1]

Hello, all.....
I am being offered this Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross, with swords.

I'm hoping to garner opinions on it's authenticity, as well a fair price to offer.

These are the only photos that I have, right now.....I hope they're sufficient.

As always, all of your opinions and comments are both welcomed and respected.

Cheers,
Bob.

[byterock]

Not 100% on this as it has some elements I do not like,

The finishing at sword hilts is crude as is the suspention loop and ring.

[Nigel N]

Not 100% on this as it has some elements I do not like,

The finishing at sword hilts is crude as is the suspention loop and ring.

yeah, i agree, the only couple of originals of these i've seen were of really nice quality, this one just does'nt look good enough. for the amount of money these thing cost you need to be sure...100% -Nigel

[bytown]

Detail on this do not seem crisp like an original should be.

Compared to some examples in Williamson's book.......save your money.

Wayne

[Adrian]

I'll offer my thoughts. I think it is trying to be a Deschler looking at the numerals but there are several features missing from this example that would lead me to agree with the others and call it a fake.
The details of the oak leaf wreath are not of a quality I would look for in an original, the numerals are not like Steinhauer or Zimmermann examples and not quite right for a Deschler although they are closest to this maker. The finish looks artificial right across the cross, the pebbling on the arms looks too soft and the varying thickness of the outline of the edges is also a concern.
Personally I would pass on this one and look for a dead cert with no questions hanging over it. If I am way out on my assessment then I will stand corrected and bow to the more experienced collectors opinions.

[jagdpanther]

This one is bad!

/peter

[bobcam1]

Thanks to all who responded. I finally got home, and leafed through "The War Merit Cross", by Gordon Williamson and Josef Charita, and saw for myself that many things looked wrong.
I saw this in hand, a few minutes ago, and took the following photographs. The typical Deschler flaws, shown in the book were not present, and the "1" maker mark actually looks hand scratched to me.

Cheers,
Bob.

[bobcam1]

.

[Adrian]

Those closer pics show the pitting over the surface from the casting which is a definite no no! That scratched on makers mark is bloody awful too.

[Flemming]

Bsed on those last photos, it really looks like a cast copy.

/Flemming

[all1knew]

Hello there,

A reproduction.

William Kramer

[Ludwig]

Not even close!!!

[Frank K]

...The typical Deschler flaws, shown in the book were not present, and the "1" maker mark actually looks hand scratched to me.

Cheers,
Bob.

Yep plus it should be 900 and not 800 on the other arm....

Btw glad to see that you're so much back on your feet Bob that you can bid on an item like this

[jt327gir]

Not even close!!!

Agreed. I know very little to nothing about the KVK-RK, but based on the basic knowledge I have about German WWII awards, I could see that this one is definitely bad, for the following already mentioned reasons:
1) Casting bubbles
2) Details not sharp
3) Horrible-looking maker's mark
4) The finish does not look "right".


John