Premiere Makers

[streptile]

At the moment there are a few "premiere" makers of the Iron Cross -- specific makers whose crosses command a collectors' premium when offered for sale. Chief among them, I would say, are Juncker and Godet. I might also include Otto Schickle.

To those who have been in this hobby for a while: when did this start? And have other makers passed through "premiere" status in the past? Or has it always been Juncker and Godet?

[fabri-online]

Hi Trevor, I would add Deschler in this list if you agree.

[beuwulf]

Hi Trevor, I will agree with Fabri of course, add Deschler & Son to that list.....
Chris....

[TRAVLRSEASIA]

Premiere Makers of the EK1

Trevor;

For as long as I have been reading this forum; Juncker and Godet have been highly desirable EK makers to acquire indeed. To be sure; when you look at these two makers in mint condition; their quality is stunning and amazing. The lacquer type finish on a Juncker when mint is beautiful and most certainly the reason this maker has developed its "grail" like reputation. I am still searching for a mint Godet EK1, but my mint EK2 from Godet is truly stellar to appreciate..I find however, the makers W/L and Klein and Quenzler; while clearly more common; have also stunning finishes.

[Robert P.]

Trevor,

I can remember when Deumer EKII's were the rage. They went for as high as $400.00! What brought them to this popularity four or five years ago still remains a mystery to me. Their shining career ended as quickly as it began. Who can dictate what brings about such popularity?

Personally, I would add F. Zimmermann '6' to the list of sought after EKII's. along with all of the LDO-stamped 2nd class crosses. And, who can deny the '65's?

I don't know when Juncker and Godet became "premier" crosses; long before I starting collecting. Godet's certainly are finished nicely.

Robert

[AFF96]

I'm to new to collecting to speak to any past high quality makers. But I strongly agree, of course, that Juncker & Godet are truely stunning high quality makers, but also really appreciate the quality of the more common maker K & Q!
Great thread Trevor!
Greg

[Luftm40]

Years ago...collectors really didn't know what the marks meant, and certainly couldn't identify the maker for completely unmarked examples. Marked crosses and badges were worth more than unmarked. Good condition as well...but that was about it. The internet and forums like WAF have done the rest!

[fabri-online]

My thought is (in not perfect English) :
Godet was a famous Royal Jewelry since XIX Century so probably their products were a Premiere Maker since the beginning.
Juncker is in the Premiere Maker list for another reason, their products are famous in the collector world for the high quality (luft - heer badges - DK - RK - etc) so it was extended to EKs but IMO injustifiably because Deumer EKs, K&Q EKs, e some others are more fine and don't show some flaws that we can find in EKs from this manufacturer.

[Robert P.]

That's true, Fabri. Juncker has been called the 'Tiffany' of 3rd Reich awards chiefly because of their Luft. awards.

Robert

[fabri-online]

That's true, Fabri. Juncker has been called the 'Tiffany' of 3rd Reich awards chiefly because of their Luft. awards.

Robert

Thanks Robert, you have completed my thought.

[streptile]

Thanks for the replies.

I agree that some other makers made finer crosses -- K&Q, certainly. But really we're talking about some kind of mystique that separates these specific makers that may be related to -- but is certainly not a sole result of -- quality. Or rarity for that matter.

I also agree that Godets are prized because the firm itself had such a long and famous reputation going into WWII for outstanding awards and decorations.

Since I have such EK-blinders on, I didn't realize that Juncker was so well-known for their Luftwaffe awards, although of course I see some nice ones from time to time and they are often marked for Juncker. I'm sure that is part of the reason for the popularity of their EKs.

I guess I would add Deschler to the list or "Premiere Makers." No one agrees about Otto Schickle?

[streptile]

Years ago...collectors really didn't know what the marks meant, and certainly couldn't identify the maker for completely unmarked examples. Marked crosses and badges were worth more than unmarked. Good condition as well...but that was about it. The internet and forums like WAF have done the rest!

Andy, that's interesting. Were specific marks more expensive? Or just "marked" crosses compared to "unmarked"?

When did collectors begin to be able to distinguish between makers of unmarked crosses? It seems so fundamental to collecting now, doesn't it: "Who is the maker of this EK?"

[streptile]

I can remember when Deumer EKII's were the rage. They went for as high as $400.00!

Wow. Are you talking specifically about L/11 marked ones? That is very interesting.

[AFF96]

No one agrees about Otto Schickle?[/QUOTE]

I certainly would agree with the Otto's in the Premiere group
Greg

[Robert P.]

Wow. Are you talking specifically about L/11 marked ones? That is very interesting.

No, Trevor, just the '3'-marked examples.

Robert