Rk kvk

[Patrick W]

Hi Guys

Please could I get some opinions on this cross. I think it's an earlier Deschler, it's only marked 900 on bottom cross arm. Someone has cut through the loop at some point. I think I see some differences in the wreath though? Thoughts appreciated.

Many thanks

Patrick

[Patrick W]

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[Patrick W]

;;;

[mloppkit]

Hi Patrick,

Unfortunately I don't believe that someone has cut through the loop for this cross, I believe that someone has cut through a loop for something and added it to this cross but it certainly doesn't appear to be a cut version of an original loop.

As for the cross, at first glance it does indeed seem to have a very good chance of being a "first strike" Deschler. The wreath has a lot of wear that appears to be from being worn but also from being struck by a wearing out die which could account for the very minor differences in the wreath from known originals- the fundamental wreath pattern is certainly correct though as are the pebbling patterns on both sides. A better photo of the date side lower arm would confirm what appears to look like the die flaw which one would expect from a later first strike cross. The details of this cross look too good to be from casting but maybe weigh the cross to confirm and post some better photos.

Best Regards,
Michael

[Patrick W]

Thanks Michael, I think you are right about the loop, having compared a few this one is not the same.

The weight of the cross comes in at 27.7g which seems a bit light?

Here are a couple of shots of the lower cross arm, I can't see any flaw as such

[mloppkit]

Hi Patrick,
You are right, there is no characteristic die flaw on the lower right side of the arm on this cross and about 5 grams lighter than accepted examples. Certainly not a "text-book" Deschler example - but very close at first appearances.
Best Regards,
Michael

[mloppkit]

Hi Patrick,
I have had a look around and your cross is of very good quality, Upon comparing closely with known examples , it certainly is not a Deschler, nor is it a Souval copy, but maybe it's another maker. The stamp of 900 silver only is also not characteritic of a Deschler, the early Deschlers were nearly always marked with a 1, a 1 & 900 or nothing at all.

Here are a couple of Textbook original Deschlers from the Hermans auction with the recent description:

"A Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross
Neck cross in silver produced by the Deschler & Sohn firm in Munich. The cross arm surfaces with matte finish, the edges polished, the lower cross arm punched with the Presidential Chancellery number "1" and "900" mark of fineness. With a section of ribbon 40 cm in length. Width 53.2 mm. Weight 33.2 g.
The Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross was one of the highest wartime decorations of the Third Reich, and because the type without swords was awarded only about 55 times it is also one of the rarest."

[mloppkit]

...Original Deschler...

[Patrick W]

Thanks Michael, it's an unusual cross for sure, I will send it off to one of the German dealers to have a look at in hand.

Many thanks for the help

Patrick