RK, EK I & II Basic Question?

[AFF96]

Guys I know this is an ignorant question so please forgive my total lack of knowledge. But what does it mean to the authenticity of an RK, EK I & II when they are magnetic or non-magnetic? Do certain makers only have one or the other?
Thanks so much for helping me understand.
Greg

[CMSgt]

ek

Greg

If the cross is magnetic you can use a magnet to pick it up, and if non-magnetic it will not stick to the magnet. Some dealers made them both ways and there are stories about why but none have been proven, that I know of. Jim

[AFF96]

Thanks Jim! So it has nothing to do with authenticity.
Greatly appreciate it!

[Ischak]

IMO Magnetic eks have core made from iron. Non magnetic from zinc.
Most of the fakers are not investing to iron, but non magnetic cross must not
be always fake.

It was cheaper during war produce non magnetic.

[Douglas 5]

Hi Greg : To be correct here - cores of Iron Crosses can be found made from Iron - Brass - and Zink .

Douglas

[AFF96]

Thank you Jim, Josef and Douglas. I love collecting EK's and I had know clue why it's always asked whether is magnetic or not.
Thanks so much!!
Greg

[streptile]

This is my personal list of which makers made what non-mag 3-piece EKs. Not considered are Schinkels or unknown makers.

Juncker '2' (zinc EK2, brass EK1)
S&L '4' (brass EK1, EK2)
Ferdinand Hoffstädter 'L/19' (brass EK1)
Friedrich Orth '15' (brass EK1)
Klein & Quenzer '65' (brass or zinc EK2)
Paulmann & Crone '86' (zinc EK2)
Wächtler & Lange '100' (brass EK1)
Otto Schickle 'L/15' (brass EK1, zinc EK1 and EK2)

I would be very happy to hear additions.

[AFF96]

Thanks Trevor! I'm printing this page for reference!

[stukapilot]

I can only add that this maker (Ferdinand Hoffstädter 'L/19' (brass EK1)) produced ONLY non-magnetic EK's!

[Robert P.]

I can think of only one other, a zinc-cored S&L EKII.

[streptile]

I can think of only one other, a zinc-cored S&L EKII.

Interesting, thanks Robert. Do you have one?

[Robert P.]

Yes, it has a thin nickel silver plating over the zinc core...

[streptile]

Very interesting, I shall add it to my list

[AFF96]

Me as well...thanks Robert!!
Greg