Solingen EK1

[Dave Bice]

Here is one to ponder. This was discussed briefly about a year ago but no photos were available at that time. I have done what I can to get decent photos, so here it goes. This cross looks correct to me on the obverse and reverse. The pin setup reminds me of S&L. The catch seems odd and the strangest part is SOLINGEN stamped on the underside of the pin. Any thoughts?

[Dave Bice]

Obverse.

[Dave Bice]

Reverse.

[Dave Bice]

Another reverse view.

[Dave Bice]

Catch.

[Jim Baker]

Hi Dave,

Never seen one of these before. Very nice looking cross. I think I've seen that catch before, I'll have to look around.

[Glenn R]

Certainly a genuine cross. Very strange marking. The catch looks like S&L to me.

[Chris Boonzaier]

SAme catch as those bogus L15s inst it?

Cross looks nice, stamp is 100% bogus. Try and think of any any any logical reason for it to be there other than to make it interesting for variation collectors.

[Ludwig]

-

The cross looks like an OK Steinhauer & Lück, but why that stamp?
It´s like marking an American medal Boston or Texas or something.
I think it´s like Chris says; to make it interesting to collectors.

[niko_fr]

Re-"Solingen" mark on spin


Hi,

Maybe an added stamp made after the war and for commercial reasons.

B. reg.

Niko

[Peter Wiking]

S&L in my opinion.

Cheers.
Peter Wiking

[Frank Heukemes]

SAme catch as those bogus L15s inst it?

Nope, Chris, it is different and typical for S&L.

Solingen stamps can be found on a variety of Stainless Steel cutlery and other knives or scissors, etc. The city name Solingen on knives simply said "made of Stainless Steel" in a short way. That is what Solingen knives are known for.

Now on a EK it does not make any sense, I guess the pin is not even made of steel but Tombak, right? Would it refer to the core? Also unlikely. I also vote for added stamp.

[Dave Bice]

Thank you for the responses. General consensus is that the cross is a correct S&L. That was my thinking but the catch threw me. Am I safe to say it must be an early made version given the lack of the maker's mark (4) and die flaw? Pin certainly appears to be tombak, as Frank indicates. Why the SOLINGEN stamp? Your guess is as good as mine. GI picked it up in Solingen and had it stamped to commemorate the event? Just a WAG

[Frank Heukemes]

Some more S&L with this type catch:

[Frank Heukemes]

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