Flea Market Find

[EKman]

Greetings all,

I visited a local flea market recently and found a small grouping of WWII items. I wasn't sure about this EKI at first, but the price was right for taking a chance.

I have compared mine to other examples posted and believe it is genuine. With most of the pain unfortunately scratched off the obverse, the distinctive silver colored core of a proper L/54 cross is visible.

[EKman]

Reverse

The reverse of this screwback seems to be all correct. The mm is of the rarer horizontal box variety rather than the more common arch shaped stamp.

I see no issues with this one. It is unfortunate that it has been abused, but, as I said, the price was very right.

Thanks,

Chris

[streptile]

I agree with you, a 100% correct L/54. At the right price, it's a great cross!

With most of the pain unfortunately scratched off the obverse, the distinctive silver colored core of a proper L/54 cross is visible.

I prefer my EKs with some of the pain left on them, too

[Gesundheit]

Looks as though it may have had a chemical dip, but I think its legit and wouldn't shy away if the price was right.

[EKman]

Looks as though it may have had a chemical dip, but I think its legit and wouldn't shy away if the price was right.

Just out of curiosity, what leads you to think that it has been chemically treated? At $35, I couldn't pass it up since I was almost certain that it's genuine.

Thanks,

Chris

[Gesundheit]

First mention I heard of price here, I would have paid more than that, to be sure.
It appears to me an effort to remove the original finish, which may have been bubbling & corroded, was made ... And since it appears that almost all was gotten off, not even finish in the crevices, checmical treatment is most likely.
Why they didn't follow through and recoat will never be known, but I'd be mighty tempted to apply some black if it was mine.

[Douglas 5]

Did they stamp the L/54 on the pin too ?

Douglas