Wear and tear on EK2's

[Kai]

Guys probably a dumb question but on a couple of my EK's there is a fair bit of wear, the paints rubbed off etc.
How can it get so worn down when these medals were not worn on the uniform very much? Is it just from people handling them after the war etc?
Kai

[streptile]

Guys probably a dumb question but on a couple of my EK's there is a fair bit of wear, the paints rubbed off etc.... Is it just from people handling them after the war etc?

Hi Kai,

I don't think your question is dumb at all. In fact I've often wondered it myself. I think that, yes, most of the wear and tear on EK2s comes from postwar handling. For many, many years, these were not very valuable as collectibles. They sat in drawers, in shoe boxes on dealer's tables at shows, and kicked around in people's garages and sheds. As for EK1s, I would guess a lot of them are the same, but they were worn in combat, so there's always a chance that claims of "a real, battle-worn example" are actually somewhat true for an EK1.

The fact that most wear is the result of postwar conditions and handing has made me question the wisdom of the general collector's rule of thumb to "never, no matter what you do, clean your items!" In other words, if the dirt on the frame isn't from Stalingrad but rather from St. Louis, why not clean it off?

[Bernie Brule]

In other words, if the dirt on the frame isn't from Stalingrad but rather from St. Louis, why not clean it off?

You have a way with words Trevor.

I too have wondered about that and came to the same conclusion. I have a few with dirt that probably comes from Saskatchewan.

[George Stimson]

I think that a lot of EK 2s, while not ever actually worn, were carried around in the tunic pockets of the bearers, perhaps even for the entire duration of the war. As such, they could have gotten quite dinged around (rubbing against the inside of the pocket, scraping around with other items in the pocket, etc.) in the process.

[AFF96]

Has anyone talked to or heard from vets on what they did with their EK II's? Carry them around either in their pockets, rucksacks, luggage or send them to their family's or ??
Great question though!!
Thanks!!
Greg

[WEISNER]

All good points! Also a factor could be the different core finishing methods used by the different makers. 107 comes to mind as a poor finish from the start, Many un worn 107 EKI's look abused! where as Deumers or W&L core finish seemed to hold up well to wear and abuse.
Kev

[Death-Ace]

Considering that there are many examples of dug EKIIs from battlefields, it'd be safe to assume that their owners lovingly brought their well-earned awards with them, whether it can in a pocket or among their gear like many of you pointed out. 'Course...looking at many vets who wear their awards, whether it be their originals or '57s, they sure do look clean even for not seeing a field of battle!

Lev

[mametz]

All good points! Also a factor could be the different core finishing methods used by the different makers. 107 comes to mind as a poor finish from the start, Many un worn 107 EKI's look abused! where as Deumers or W&L core finish seemed to hold up well to wear and abuse.
Kev

Yes some crosses do hold their finish better than others, i have a mm6
cross that is stunning with good frosting, and coal black core. Although
it has patches of paint loss really frustrating, it bugs me every time i
look at it but it is a great cross
Regards
Mametz

[Colorado]

Many, many years ago when I was stationed in Germany, I obtained an EK2 that was sent home in small box with an iron cross embossed on the lid to family of a fallen Soldier. The box contained also a letter from the commander mentioning his bravery and the medal he earned.

The medal is good condition, but not fresh out the packet, and the ribbon is cut as is expected. I assumed the medal was in possession of the Soldier when he died. He was awarded the medal on the Russian Front, the medal had to go somewhere. I don't think it was handled much before I obtained it either.

I posted it years ago on WAF, but I think my photos are gone. Interesting grouping though.

Post Edit - Here is the thread - http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=111123

The photos are gone, but my memory serves me well.