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?
-
-
Obverse. -
Reverse.Comment
-
Another reverse view.Comment
-
Catch.Comment
-
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.Comment
-
Certainly a genuine cross. Very strange marking. The catch looks like S&L to me.Comment
-
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.Comment
-
-
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.Comment
-
Re-"Solingen" mark on spin
Hi,
Maybe an added stamp made after the war and for commercial reasons.
B. reg.
NikoComment
-
S&L in my opinion.
Cheers.
Peter WikingComment
-
Nope, Chris, it is different and typical for S&L.SAme catch as those bogus L15s inst it?
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.Cheers, Frank
Comment
-
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
Comment
-
Some more S&L with this type catch:Cheers, Frank
Comment
-
.Cheers, Frank
Comment
Comment