Another EK1 - Real or Fake???

[dzyner]

I'm learning a lot about Iron Crosses. They're quickly becoming my favorite relic to collect. Still need a little guidance though...

I think this is an early unmarked EK1, am I correct? Its obviously unmarked, but what period is this from specifically, and does it make it more rare?

Another obvious question... is it authentic?









Thanks for the help!
Dzyner

[streptile]

Original K&Q '65' -- at a rough guess I would say this was made around 1940-1942.

[dzyner]

Thanks streptile, I appreciate it! Is K&Q a rare manufacturer? What about it sets it off as a K&Q? I'm trying to become better educated about Iron Crosses.

[streptile]

Thanks streptile, I appreciate it! Is K&Q a rare manufacturer? What about it sets it off as a K&Q? I'm trying to become better educated about Iron Crosses.

K&Qs are common. If an unmarked EK1 can be attributed to a particular maker, it's generally because it matches (date design, frame beading, pin design, catch material, etc.) with known (often later) examples by that are correctly marked for that maker. In your case, the cross matches known, good '65' marked EK1s. Hence we call it a '65'.

[dzyner]

Thanks streptile! That makes perfect sense. So basically, if an EKI (or EKII for that matter I suppose) does not sport a maker mark, but has the same or very similar detail characteristics of a marked EKI or II, we attribute it to that maker?