EK 1 Spange

[herrgeezer]

I would like find out more about construction methods of the EK 1 Spange. Can anyone please post pictures of both an original as well as a repro EK 1 spanges and point out what sets an original spange apart from a good reproduction? Were there certain makers of this item, or did all LDO firms produce the award?

I would also be interested in seeing original cases for this decoration.

Thanks in advance.

[Frank Heukemes]

Hi David,

there are different kind of hinge/pin/catch systems for this award. The in my opinion most nice one is pictured in my example. You can also find this award with the common type pin construction as also found on many IABs, GABs, PABs and most Kriegsmarine Minesweepers e.g...

There are also examples with a broad, flat tiepin, most of those being suspicious, especially if this pin bends easily. As I learned from fellow member Seppl, Floch in Vienna made the most well known copies with this type of pin, often marked L/21 on the pin. I will see if I can find a pic of those, I once got burned with one of those, they look quite believable if you do not know...

Most examples are not maker marked, I haven´t seen many with maker marks that I liked. On the other hand, most fakes I have seen of this award ARE maker marked.

I know Claudio Ortelli has a very nice case for this award, maybe he can provide pictures.

Cheers, Frank H.

ORIGINAL front:

[Frank Heukemes]

ORIGINAL, reverse:

[George Stimson]

fake

Do not buy one that looks like this:




(I believe this is the Floch version Frank is talking about. It's marked "L11" on the pin.)

George

[Frank Heukemes]

Yep, that is it, mine was marked L/21 on the pin though.

Cheers, Frank H.

[herrgeezer]

Thanks for the info gents!

[Laga5270]

EK1 spange

Hi Frank H.

What are the measurements of your EK1 Spange ??

Thanks in advance.

/Lars G.

[Frank Heukemes]

Hi Lars G.,

which one, the pictured one or the L21 fake? Anyways it will take until tomorrow as I have to measure it at home, don´t have the measurements available. They are in the common range though, no unusual size for that award.

Cheers, Frank H.

[AlikN]

EK 1 Spange

I was reading this thread and got worried about my EK 1 Spange.
It has some suspicious features described here earlier – it’s maker marked “20”
and has a tiepin, but the pin is hard and does not bends.

Width is 44 mm, height is 30 mm and weight is 11.4 gr.

I have some pictures, can anyone help me to post them.

Thanks
Alik

[Dez H]

Hi Alik

If you send your pictures to me at spree@tasmail.com

I can post them for you


Dez

[Dez H]

Here is Alik's pictures:

[Dez H]

[Dez H]

Dez

[AlikN]

EK 1 Spange

Dez thanks for posting those pictures.

So what do you guys think about that last EK 1 Spange,
Does it look good or not ?

Alik

[Javier D. Garcia]

Hi Alik,

Sorry to say this, but I don´t like your spange.
Back: I don´t like the maker mark. I don´t like the hinge and catch assembly.
Front:Lack of detail like a cast made badge.

I´m not an expert in this field but I wouldn´t buy that badge.

Cheers,

Javier.