EKI, opinions please...

[Robert P.]

Hello gentlemen,

I just received this 1-piece, brass base EKI, and would like to ask you for your opinions. I've recently read on the forum that these are an early Deschler product.

[Robert P.]

2-part screwback device...

[Robert P.]

...

[Robert P.]

really nice vaulting...

[CMSgt]

Ek

Robert

It is a match to mine. Does it have a thin post on the back? Jim

[Robert P.]

Robert

It is a match to mine. Does it have a thin post on the back? Jim

Yes, a thin center post, but no anti-rotation pin.

[streptile]

It certainly is great looking, and early looking

As for the maker, I truly don't know... but collectors I trust say possibly Deschler, so that's a good start for me. These are known in pinbacks, too -- with a very strange little pin that almost looks like a safety-pin.

[Robert P.]

It certainly is great looking, and early looking

As for the maker, I truly don't know... but collectors I trust say possibly Deschler, so that's a good start for me. These are known in pinbacks, too -- with a very strange little pin that almost looks like a safety-pin.

Yes, I've seen the example you are referring to. It's a very unusual pin device.

These being made of solid brass they are very heavy for an EKI. I've seen just four of these now, three SB's and one PB.

[fabri-online]

Hi guys
a really very nice and very interesting cross ! congrats Robert.
I think it was one of the first crosses used to award.
I don' t recognize a detail that can be attribute to Deschler, just date is a little similar. In my opinion the manufacturer could be find in the 1914 EK manufacturer list.

[Robert P.]

Thank you, Fabri.

Edit: Upon close inspection I'm beginning to suspicion a possible period repaint. Does anyone else have any thoughts regarding this?

[streptile]

Thank you, Fabri.

Edit: Upon close inspection I'm beginning to suspicion a possible period repaint. Does anyone else have any thoughts regarding this?

It seems like it could be a repaint, Robert. Especially as one-pieces are notorious for losing their paint.

[ben bijker]

Here's the 2 side by side

[ben bijker]

reverse

@fabri:
Not only the date looks like Deschler, so does the wideness of the frame, the wide ribbing , and the messy corners.

IMO they are early Deschlers

[Robert P.]

Thank you, Trevor.

Thank you too, Ben, for posting both versions. As stated earlier, I think it's a period repaint. I can see added paint over the old semi-gloss paint on every arm of my cross. It's especially evident above the date. The paint on the swasi matches the glossy repaint.

[ben bijker]

You are probably right Robert, it looks like an old re-paint.

Still a nice cross though!