RK ribbon - original or new?

[van59]

I have tried to research and view RK ribbons on this forum and other sites and I cannot tell if this ribbon is WWII, 1957 or just a good repo. I have tried to get the colors right but the reds are a little deeper than in the pics. I bought a genuine EK2 ribbon from one the forum dealers and used it on the RK to show any contrasts.
The ribbon is 45+mm wide and 17 3/4"long.
Should I assume that there were different mfrs of original ribbon and that they might differ in minor respects as seen in this pic?
Thanks to the knowledgeable commentators in advance.
van

[dc9]

Van,

Dietrich Maerz's book, The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, does a great job covering everything RK, including ribbon. I am not an expert with RKs and do not own one myself, but, when examining a ribbon on a piece; I use a couple key points from what I've read (I hope Mr. Maerz does not mind me quoting from the book):

• Look at the width of the white band and count the number of individual stitches - 25 or 30 "will cover most of the genuine ribbons. However...a stitch count...of 23 or 24 do exist."

• Look at the borderline (outside edge) of the black band - it should have very distinct scalloping or humps (there is a great reference picture in the book)

Can't quite tell from your pictures, but if you want a WWII piece, I think you may have to keep looking.

Hope that helps and I hope I am not in trouble with anyone, especially Herr Maerz!


Eric

[Dietrich Maerz]

Hope that helps and I hope I am not in trouble with anyone, especially Herr Maerz!
Eric

Hi Eric,

trouble with me? Never, ever!

Dietrich

[van59]

RK ribbon

Thanks, Eric, for your astute diplomatic input. I am not surprised by this evaluation.
This ribbon does not fit the criteria.