Unmarked EK2......Please assist to identify the maker

[Skyhawk]

Greetings,

I have posted a couple of images of the only unmarked EK2 in my collection and it is time for the maker to be known. I really like the patina on this EK2 in combination with a pretty clean core. Please help with the identification process.

[Skyhawk]

Unmarked EK2

A little wider view..........

[Douglas 5]

A nice S&L you have there .

Douglas

[J0hnny]

i agree with Douglas

[jt327gir]

Yep, a typical, nice S&L.

[Woolgar]

Its in lovely condition

Nick

[Skyhawk]

Thank you all for the quick responses and I am pleased that the EK2 can now be identified as an unmarked #4! To aid in my education regarding identification of unmarked EK2, what defining characteristics of this cross point to the S&L maker? I appreciate your input as I continue the journey in this interesting and at times frustrating hobby!

[Douglas 5]

S&L produced a lot of crosses for themselves and supplied to others . A few dies were used and yours is unusualy nice/prestine , in both frame die and core die .... due to the 'bin-method' S&L used --- yours is a lucky combination . These bins could hold thousands of frames and cores . Contrary to normal thinking ... the first 'assembled ' crosses did not have first strike - no wear frames and cores at all - but show some die wear . The frames dies wear quicker than the core die - 2 frames to one core .
Now what you have : Your core is to die for ! It is a 'slit eye 9 ' type - first core - that had to have been close to the bottom of the bin . .. amongst the first ones struck that were at the bottom .
Your frame is a 2nd die frame with the one corner- 4 o'clock - slanted beading , with a quit fresh frame strike as well . A lucky combination .
I have a few S&L crosses with different core and frame combinations . ... which are marked with a ' 4 ' .
On the left a 1st frame and core S&L and on the right a 2nd frame and 1st core .

Hope this helps, Douglas

[Skyhawk]

Douglas,

Thank you very much for a thorough explanation! I wish there were reference materials that offer such a definitive and easy to understand explanation regarding the EK2. On another note, can the approximate EK2 year of manufacture by a specific maker (S&L) be determined by the core/frame dies used? Again, thank you for your wealth of EK information and willingness to share!