Early 'L/52' EKI, opinions please

[Robert P.]

Hello gentlemen,

I just received this cross today and am interested in your opinions. This is the first case where I saw the maker mark on the outside of the pin. Please, your input on this...

[Robert P.]

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[fabri-online]

Hi Robert
at 1st my congratulations for this your new beauty.
Zimmermann marked "20" rare crosses on the outside of the pin, this cross is an early type and this stamp don't seems post war so my personal feedback si positive.

[Robert P.]

Thanks Fabri,

My initial concern was the maker mark. All opinions welcome on this point.

[Jeff Nichols]

Looks good to me to Rob. I have one that is stamped L/52 under the catch on the lower arm of cross, was given to me by a Russian POA volunteer back in 1983. I wonder if mine is also an early one....Jeff

[WEISNER]

Nice Cross robert! The maker mark looks legit to me and You have a rare beauty in My opinion!
Kev

[Robert P.]

Thank you both for your comments. Jeff, I also have an 'L/52' pinback with the maker mark under the catch. As stated before, this is the first I have seen on the outside of the pin. I've done a thorough search on Zimmermann EKI's, and still this is the only one I've seen.

[Ludwig]

No problem!

[Robert P.]

Thank you, Ludwig. I appreciate the positive feedback.

[Danny70]

Robert,
That's a beautiful cross, and a great find!

Can I ask your opinion on whether the frame matches the frame on the previously discussed "Early Godet/ubergrosse?" crosses? From what I can see, it seems a perfect match.
.... Does this mean I have a C.F. Zimmermann EK2??!!!..

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=377545

Regards - Danny

[Robert P.]

Danny,

It does appear to be the same frame, even the outside corner bead pattern. As to your question regarding this being an early Zimmermann EKII, I'm going to wait to hear from others on this. At any rate I think we're getting closer and closer to a credible Zimmermann, although I believe Zimmermann and Godet shared components. There is said to be slight differences in the dates of the Godets and Zimmermanns, so here is where I will begin to compare within my own collection. Thank you for this link.