Rogues Gallery of 1914 EK1's?

[Doug See]

Here are three 1914 EK1's, apparently from the same maker. Here are some observations:
1) They are all TWO piece construction. I believe the core is actually part of the back half of the frame. There is a very fine seam along all edges. Nicely done seam.
2) The entire cross is magnetic--the pin, the frame and the core.
3) The cross is nicely silver plated.
4) All cores appear to be painted or repainted. One looks to be sanded down and repainted.
5) One has the eagle over double M mark, as we've seen on a couple of eBay examples recently.
6) The KO and the KAG (two different maker marks on the same type of cross???) appear to be engraved or roll marked rather than stamped.
7) Two of the three have the distinctive cross shape of a typical issue KO cross.
8) Two of the three came from Missouri.
Do we have a new crop of fakes here, or just some "budget model" wearer copies?

[Luftm40]

Although I'm not an Imperial collector, those three crosses actually all look slightly different to me. The core details, ribbing and even the pins. maybe I'm seeing things

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Doug,

VERY interesting! I agree with Andy that all 3 crosses look different, just by looking at the "W"s for me. The general construction (hinge/pin/catch at least) of all three appears to be period though.

I have just checked all my 1914, 1939 and 1957 pinback EK1s, including 3 x 1914 KOs (and one of those has a repainted core). Only one (1) 1939 EK1 has a steel/magnetic pin (the only known genuine variety I'm aware of), so your statement that all 3 of these crosses have magnetic pins is interesting to me. You did check the pins when in the 90deg+ OPEN position right? Just checking as even a silver pin will appear to attract a magnet if tested in the closed position.

I personally have not previously seen a KAG with that type of pin or marked in that position, so thats strange and new for me but not enough to say definitely repro. It's not clear, but does the KAG also have the double-headed eagle?

The EK with the very low 1914 is wierd - "sanded" number but the beading looks perfect?

One more question, how can you be certain that the crosses are 2 piece without actually taking them apart?

Interesting thread!!

Regards
Mike K

PS: Should this thread be moved to Imperial?

[Doug See]

Okay, I was WRONG. My eyes sure aren't what they used to be. The KAG and eagle/MM cross is silver with a steel core and silver pin. The eagle could very well be double headed.

The KO is silver with a silver pin. The core has just been defaced and repainted.

The unmarked one is all steel, including the pin and catch.

Both the KO and the KAG maker marks look like they were done by the same type of tool, or even engraved. On both the K's, you can see where the cross pieces of the letter overlap, as if it was done by hand with an engraving tool.

Sorry, guys, it was early in the morning and my eyes are going bad.