Discussion of EK Carton on E-stand

[stogieman]

additional photos...

The front of the cross....

[stogieman]

addititional photos...

reverse of the cross and the one usually accepted as authentic....

[stogieman]

additional photos...

More pix of the box....

[stogieman]

Additional box pix....

.... adifferent shot of the box....

[stogieman]

At this point.....

.... I am quite inclined to accept the carton as real. The case as real. But not a matched pair as my experience has shown to be the "normal" way these 26's are found.
The cross.... well, the catch is downright ugly, but I'll leave the catch and hinge discussion for others.
Mark makes a very valid point.... can anyone show an example of this cross (as shown in the original sales thread) in used/worn condition?
The example I have shown has been posted in worn condition, or shown with attributed groups in the past. These odd variations (to the best of my knowledge) have not.
Another thing to consider is that the case condition (in the sales thread)
does not match the outer box at all. Note the exstensive amount of rust around the push button opener, but no corresponding stain (or dimple for that matter) in the outer carton....

I know a bit about these boxes and cases, as they were a passion of mine for
a very long time... I believe firmly that while both pieces are probably real, they did not come together from the maker. I base this strictly on the posted fotos.

It is unfortunate, that as with so many things in this hobby, everything becomes suspect.... Hopefully, these additional fotos and discussion has helped a bit.

[stogieman]

A last thought...... on a positive note!

.... I really want to accept this as legit.... the more I study and compare the pix in Bart's original post.... the more my gut is saying "REAL".... If I was at a show and had it in hand, I'd probably be so inclined.

Bart... is there a mark on the inside of the flap that would match the button? Any stain around the mark inside?

Note the rather distinct finish on the backs of the crosses........ I suspect this would be very hard to duplicate today....

The incused 26 looks spot-on......

Note the same EK outline on the lid........

hmmmmmmm.........

[George Stimson]

Imho

I think these "26s" with the different hinge and catch are okay. I would even be inclined to buy one (but not with a case and carton) to have on hand as a variation.
As to why we have never seen one in beat-up condition, I don't know. It would certainly be easy for a faker to "age" a piece. Maybe we only see pristine ones because they are part of that batch of "found" mint crosses. Maybe the different catch is a late war variation.

(Maybe, maybe, maybe....)

[GJR100]

Hi Rick,

As requested ...




As can be seen, the button has left a mark on the opened flap. No spots around it. The back side shows the hinge impression.

Hope this helps the discussion.

Maybe a remark from an absolute non-expert on the subject of EK's ...
The fact these variations in EK's are only found in a prestine condition may lay in the fact that these were very late war production. There may not have been many handed out and were kept in storage on the Regimental stands. The ones that were awarded did not have much time to get beaten up.
Just a thought ...

Bart

[George Stimson]

"The fact these variations in EK's are only found in a prestine condition may lay in the fact that these were very late war production."

And maybe they had different hinges because the manufacturer ran out of the type hinge they used earlier in the war.

[GJR100]

Thanks George,

Forgot to add that rather important line ...

Bart

[Neil Howes]

Dug up the repro carton & here is a pic of the inside...


From comparison with the 2 original cartons I have owned & the repro, I would give Bart's the ok.

Regards,

Neil

[stogieman]

well, I like the carton!

And, the other thoughts seem relevent and appropriate. I'd take a fly on this piece.

[theunionjack]

just grabbed this off a UK site

£45 quid...........in a very bad carton ...................BE CAREFULL, Id pass

[theunionjack]

These have been about for some time

i have seen different types of carton to them , and none i like , , , i am not saying the one posted on e stand is FUGAZI , the cross and case looks fine , just got a bad feeling with the carton , ,,,,


another carton cross repro price 50 quid uk

[George Stimson]

Can we see the back of the EK?