Godet EKs

[streptile]

Following on the Juncker thread, I thought I'd start one to show some Godets.

I'll run this one in reverse chronological order, so the Third Reich purists don't get scared away by some Imperial crosses at the top. So here, latest to earliest, are some Godets:

1) '21' marked EK2. This was seen recently in another thread. No photo of the mark, but it's standard for the cross.

[streptile]

2) 'L/50' marked EK1. This one has the same frame and core as the EK2 shown above. As is commonly known, these crosses are the same as '20' C.F. Zimmermanns. Whether Godet sourced parts and did their own assembly, bought completed crosses from Zimmermann and marked them with their own stamp, or supplied parts or crosses to Zimmermann, is unknown (by me). However, I have read that there may be a difference between the black core paint that Godet used, and that used by Zimmermann (on both RKs and EKs, by the way). So this could be one way to distinguish them, but that research remains in the future, as far as I know.

[streptile]

3) 'L/50' vaulted. As above, but vaulted.

[streptile]

4) Early Godet. Unmarked example using a different (non-Zimmermann) frame and early, Godet pin. The core, as may be seen, is already the Zimmermann style. Of note is that this cross is extraordinarily light at 15.8g. This case is the correct type for this particular kind of Godet. It holds the cross so snugly that even the swastika makes an imprint in the lid liner.

[streptile]

5) 'G' marked Imperial EK2. Godet Imperial crosses are known to be among the finest made. They are usually marked with a capital 'G' on the ribbon ring. The detail to the core is exceptional, especially among WWI crosses, where core detail is often surprisingly lacking.

[streptile]

6) 'G' marked Imperial EK1. Same core obverse as seen in the EK2 above. The frame is of very fine silver -- some have suggested .925, although it is unmarked. The pins on these 'G' EK1s are extremely sharp -- the point could puncture the skin like a needle.

[streptile]

7) 1870 EK2. Unmarked, these are really presumed Godets. The correct name is 'Core Type B.' The type is discussed at some length here, as are the reasons they are presumed to be made by Godet.





A word about cores. I am not sure Godet ever made any cores. Starting from 1870: the mold for the reverse of the Type B core shown above was recycled in 1914 by S-W (Sy & Wagner). Is it possible that S-W made the Type B core, even in the 19th C.? I think so. The Imperial Godets use a distinctive core, but they are by no means the only jeweler to have used it. This exact core may be found in other crosses correctly marked by other makers. In WWII, Godet's cores were all made (or at least used) by Zimmermann. So there is no hard evidence that Godet ever made any EK cores.

Thanks for looking! I'd love to see the early Godet EK2 someone's got out there (Danny?), an 1870 Godet EK1 (to make this family tree complete) and any other Godets. Comments and opinions are very welcome.

[fabri-online]

Really beautiful crosses, you have only the best, that follows a great presentation !

[baldy1939]

Trevor that's one great collection of Godets

[Steve Campbell]

Great collection. Fine condition also. Still haven't picked up a G marked 1914 EK1 pinback. No 1870 either. Here's an L/50 screwback that isn't shown here.

[Steve Campbell]

The rear.

[George Stimson]

Here's the 1939 Second Class with the maker mark.

[George Stimson]

Reverse.

[George Stimson]

Maker mark.

[Robert P.]

Very fine examples Trevor,

I can tell you've put a lot of extra effort into finding the best of the best for your collection. They're beautiful specimens.