Black paint on Iron Cross frames

[Peter Wiking]

Kecon.
That is regular tarnishing you show. I talk about real paint from a spray gun.
This cross/ photo belongs to Mark Schroeder (hope you dont mind). I cropped the photo and pointed out the black paint that is sprayed. The cross is a 1 class 26.

Cheers.
Peter Wiking

[Peter Wiking]

Here is a 1 class L15 from my collection. It has a black color spray painted along the inner side of the frame.
Dont mind the white particles in the corner. I got those away with a soft brush.

Cheers.
Peter Wiking

[Peter Wiking]

Iron Cross 2 class 113.

Peter Wiking

[David C]

You are correct Peter.

It is definitely black paint overspray on these crosses.


Cheers,
David.

[C.C.Reilly]

Paint on Iron Crosses

One must keep in mind how a particular cross is made, whether a Grand Cross. Knights Cross, first or second class. In a photograph it is just too inconclusive to determine a claim that what appears to be paint is actually a form of corrosion. Do not rely on photographs! When Iron Crosses were made, the correct method was painting the cores before placing them into the frames. This means, that where the frame line meets the core is very neat in appearance.

Short of disassembling an Iron Cross, individually stripping and repainting a core, hopefully using the correct paint, and reassembly, there is no way to spray paint a core without leaving tell tale signs of tampering with the original product. Many have tried, and I believe still do. The most common are specks of paint in the frame ribbing, new paint over old, and paint on the frame where the core and the frame touch. If you decide to purchase a cross that appears to have been repainted, have a reasonable time of inspection. A slight rub using A simple wooden toothpick on a suspected over-spray spot is sufficient detection. A corrosion spot will not simply flake off. I have seen too many, especially Knight's Crosses, that I strongly suspect have been repainted or touched up to command a higher end price.

[Peter Wiking]

What i would like to know, is it done by the produser before Mai 1945 or post war ? And why ?

Cheers.
Peter Wiking

[David C]

When Iron Crosses were made, the correct method was painting the cores before placing them into the frames.

The 113s appear to have been sprayed after assembly see #10 #13.
This isn't from photographs this cross is in my hand. From photographs other 113s exhibit the same characteristics.

Be they pre May 45 or not, they seem to get the thumbs up around here, mine was definitely painted after assembly. The loose core prooves it.

Cheers,
David.

[Peter Wiking]

The crosses are original without doubt in my opinion, but cant stop thinking of why and when they where sprayed.

Cheers.
Peter Wiking

[Dave Kane]

These crosses aren't sprayed! The blackening you see is just a creeping tarnish for lack of a better description! Possibly the paint was not fully cured when the frames came together and after all these years this is the result. Manufacturers would not solder a cross together, acid treat the frame and then spray it.

On mint crosses I find this to be a PLUS! Just natural ageing!

Dave

[Dave Kane]

Here's the same affect on a very nice S&L Knight's Cross!!


If it is the flat, dull discoloring commonly found on nice crosses there's nothing to be concerned about and more to be happy with!!!

Paint will 'reflect' in light and even a flat paint will show a 'surface' under magnification.


Dave

[David C]

Dave,

With respect, I think you are wrong.

My EKII has overspray on the frames it is obvious without the fact that the core on my example is loose. The core is loose enough that it moves far enough for BARE UNPAINTED METAL to be visible at the edges.

Crazy as it sounds the core of this cross was NOT painted before assembly as the whole core is not painted. Therefore it must have been painted after assembly. This process led to the overspray on the frames.

Cheers,
David.

[Dave Kane]

I'll have another look!

[Dave Kane]

David..is the black on the inner frame as 'shiney' as the paint on the core?


Dave

[Dave Kane]

Repainted Core!

Here is an example of a SPRAYED core!

Dave

[tom hansen]

Does anyone know why this black "crud" appears more commonly on S&L RKs than other makes? I had this on an S&L RK. I lent it to a jewler friend to examine and he returned it "cleaned" as a favor . I politely told him thanks. I have not seen this reported on other RKs- only S&Ls- why?