EK2 Maker?

[dc9]

Hello All,

Just received this unmarked EK2 and would like to know the maker. Any suggestions and comments are appreciated.

The weight is 18.5g the width 43.8mm and height 43.5mm.

Thank you,

Eric

[dc9]

.

[Robert P.]

Maybe an unmarked '56' Robert Hauschild. Here's mine to compare...

Robert

[Robert P.]

rev...

[dc9]

Thank you Robert,

I agree that the frame looks pretty spot-on. Mine has got some noticeable die flaws not present on your frame - particularly along the end of the 12 o'clock arm across the ribs.

The cores do seem different - the '3's on mine appear more narrow and the upstroke of the '1' a bit longer - but, this could be an illusion of the paint and photography. The position of the dates relative to the frame does look different.


Eric

[Robert P.]

Well Eric,

It was just a guess. Perhaps it's by another maker, but the frames looked pretty close.

Robert

[streptile]

Hi Eric,

I have an idea, but a good closeup of the 1939 would help me be sure.

[dc9]

Trevor,

Here are closeup (and over-exposed) images of the dates. Thanks for your assistance.

Eric

[dc9]

All,

Here are two die flaws I mentioned as reference. I thought the second picture, showing a spot on the upper tip of the 9 o'clock arm, was originally just wear, but, the same "flaw" (where it looks like a small chunk of metal has broken off/ been gouged from the die) appears on the reverse frame as well. Assuming the frame is, in fact, a Maker '56' frame, than this is a point of difference from the posted '56' example.

[streptile]

Thanks Eric.

In my opinion your cross is by maker Walter & Henlein 109.

These are always unmarked, but there are a few traits that help me identify them. The die flaws you point out are not among these traits, so perhaps yours is a later example.

Some dispute that the "correct" 109 is known at all, but I believe the 109 is known, and that yours is one.

Nice photos by the way.

[Robert P.]

Wow, those balls on the 9's are very distinctive! Trevor, I have an old file of yours (I hope you don't mind me posting it) with the very same features in the obverse date. This is very interesting indeed. I've never seen such pronounced 9's on any EKII before. Please tell me, did this old cross of yours come with a 109 packet, vet acquired?

Robert

[streptile]

Wow, those balls on the 9's are very distinctive! Trevor, I have an old file of yours (I hope you don't mind me posting it) with the very same features in the obverse date. This is very interesting indeed. I've never seen such pronounced 9's on any EKII before. Please tell me, did this old cross of yours come with a 109 packet, vet acquired?

Robert

Yes, that's my 109.

Not vet acquired -- in my opinion, better. A few years ago, a friend of mine bought a bunch of stuff from the son of a military-effects shop owner in Germany. This was stock left over, untouched since the end of the war. Among that stuff was a bunch of properly marked KVKs, and some other awards, marked in correct packets -- and somewhere around 40 sets of mint, untouched EK2s (all identical) in W&H Packets with tissue. All the EK2s were this exact type (yes, the balls on the date are one very distinctive feature. Also the low, slanting '1813' and a few frame details). Mine just got some water damage (unfortunately) from the previous owner -- but I wanted an original, sure-thing 109 set, so I picked it up.

The friend who bought these sets is a member here so perhaps he will add to this story.

[Robert P.]

Sounds very legitimate, Trevor. I'd love to own a set. I picked up a set years ago that turned out to be nothing more than an S&L cross. If the owner of these sets you speak of reads this thread I hope he PM's me.

BTW, you've a good eye for detail.

Robert

[Robert P.]

This is something I couldn't help seeing that your and Eric's crosses have in common, the slight angle of the end of this arm...

Robert

[streptile]

This is something I couldn't help seeing that your and Eric's crosses have in common, the slight angle of the end of this arm...

Robert

Hi Robert,

Yes, I think they are a good match for one another. Also keep in mind that W&H Packets are ubiquitous -- maybe only Carl Forster & Graf are more frequently encountered. So there should be a lot of the crosses out there. I see these 109s somewhat regularly for sale.

Unfortunately my friend sold all the sets before I met him .

Here's the reverse of mine, which is also a good match to Eric's.