KVK KC / Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross

[jwburchell]

As I downsize my collection of many years, I am surfacing items that were acquired by me years ago, prior to the advent of the internet and availability of the current reference books. In the process, I am discovering some surprises - both good and bad.

Here for assessment and comment is a Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross (without swords). The weight and size characteristics appear to fit with period originals: width 54 mm; oak leaf wreath 18mm across; arm width 3 mm. The weight on my postal scale is approx. 33+ grams (I understand 33.8 grams to be the norm).

The two small arms at the top are grooved. From the WAF technical reference section on KVKs I understand that these should be plain. Is this a deal-breaker?

As well, the detail on the oak leaf wreath is not crisp and sharp. Is this acceptable for period originals?

There are no maker or silver marks anywhere to be found on this cross.

The award originally came to me mounted on the approx. 5-1/2 inch/13.5 cm. piece of ribbon which is 45 cm. wide - the white stripes of which glow under a black light.

I await the verdict and will be grateful for feedback from those in the know here on this Forum.

Best regards,

John

[jwburchell]

Closer-up:

[jwburchell]

More views:

[jwburchell]

The ribbon:

[michael leone]

Kc of war merit cross

Not a good one in my opinion,whatever that is worth.

[Ludwig]

This one looks really good, but most collectors only accept the without swords version, that has the smooth suspension loop (without ribs).

[Tony T-S]

Both suspension ring and loop should be smooth, does it have the content mark on the left of the end of the 6:00 oclock arm?

[Tom B]

As I downsize my collection of many years, I am surfacing items that were acquired by me years ago, prior to the advent of the internet and availability of the current reference books. In the process, I am discovering some surprises - both good and bad.

Here for assessment and comment is a Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross (without swords). The weight and size characteristics appear to fit with period originals: width 54 mm; oak leaf wreath 18mm across; arm width 3 mm. The weight on my postal scale is approx. 33+ grams (I understand 33.8 grams to be the norm).

The two small arms at the top are grooved. From the WAF technical reference section on KVKs I understand that these should be plain. Is this a deal-breaker?

As well, the detail on the oak leaf wreath is not crisp and sharp. Is this acceptable for period originals?

There are no maker or silver marks anywhere to be found on this cross.

The award originally came to me mounted on the approx. 5-1/2 inch/13.5 cm. piece of ribbon which is 45 cm. wide - the white stripes of which glow under a black light.

I await the verdict and will be grateful for feedback from those in the know here on this Forum.

Best regards,

John

When all else fails "READ" his description !!!!!!!!!

[shaneos3]

Hi Tom,
This RK KvK is a repro. The suspension ring is not really an issue as occasionally the ribbed ring was used on the KvK without swords, the thickness of the centre shows that it is a fake as well as the pebbling not matching either of the 1st or 2nd strike Deschler KVK RKs that it is copied from,
see: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ghlight=kvk+rk

Regards,
Shaneos

[Tom B]

Hi Tom,
This RK KvK is a repro. The suspension ring is not really an issue as occasionally the ribbed ring was used on the KvK without swords, the thickness of the centre shows that it is a fake as well as the pebbling not matching either of the 1st or 2nd strike Deschler KVK RKs that it is copied from,
see: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ghlight=kvk+rk

Regards,
Shaneos

I KNOW it's a repro ! However I don't understand why questions are being asked that he already has posted. He said in his description that it had "NO" maker or silver marks anywhere...YET he was asked..."is it marked " READ READ....is what I was saying !

[Chet Sowersby]

Tom,
Kick back and have a brew. This sort of "is it good'? with the obvious already stated happens quite often in all the forums. Do your stomach a favor and just roll with it.

Chet

[Tom B]

Old Days

Tom,
Kick back and have a brew. This sort of "is it good'? with the obvious already stated happens quite often in all the forums. Do your stomach a favor and just roll with it.

Chet

Don't drink Brew any longer....gave it up 50 years ago....back then I only drank when I was alone or with someone....Marine Corps days

[RKC]

John:

I don't like the 'suspension ring set-up' on the Cross. The front & back look like that area was poorly hand-finished. This should not be the case for such a high award. There were only 315 of these awarded throughout the entire time of the Third Reich.

May I suggest you spend $10.00 & get it 'Content' tested at your jewelery store. Have the jeweler do a test on the amount of silver in that Cross. You're looking for "900" Silver. If you get NO silver content then you got yourself a 'DUD'.

Is this an old 'Angolia' or 'Grant' piece?

Ron.

[shaneos3]

Originally Posted by shaneos3
Hi Tom,
This RK KvK is a repro. The suspension ring is not really an issue as occasionally the ribbed ring was used on the KvK without swords, the thickness of the centre shows that it is a fake as well as the pebbling not matching either of the 1st or 2nd strike Deschler KVK RKs that it is copied from,

Ref. http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ghlight=kvk+rk


Hi RKC,

On page 207 of Williamsons book, he shows a KVK RK without swords with a ribbed suspension loop and ribbed arms, I personally wouldn't accept one of these but some maintain that they are legit. Also there are many other differences between this and the ones shown in the excellent previous WAF thread I refer to. Also many repros are made of real silver ie. the Souval recently shown so I don't believe that this alone can be taken as an indication of authenticity,

Regards,
Shaneos

[Tony T-S]

Very interesting discussion, even if I did ask an unnecessary question. Too many long hours at work this last week.