EKII spange

[CMSgt]

I had one of these before and it was deemed a fake. I seen this one and liked it a lot better.

Reasons:

First and most is the patina on the back, see how it matches the ribbon and it is darker around the pins where there was more light. It is not the typical patina that we see on fakes.

Second is the talons with the knobs and the wreath has detail.

Third is the pebbling which you would expect to see in an original.

The green on the left wing was caused by the thread they used to attach to the ribbon.

I know that it sounds like I am trying to sell myself on this one, but I honestly believe it is original.

This form spange is said to have been found in the Deschler hoard.

Look forward to hearing your opinions.

Jim

[Jean-Claude]

Not an expert on anything but I have a tender spot for EK spanges and I do remember the days when anything without a maker'smark was crap, when early Deumer Flight badges were Juncker repros and 134 DKIGs were dubious and manyothers so I tend to be very careful when I see something out of the beaten path because I dont think we've seen everything yet. A small collector who just want a representative sample or an investment collector that wants textbook to be able to move the stuff quickly may want to stay away from this bird (at least untill its recognized) but I wouldnt hesitate a second if the opportunity (and the proper timing) came along

This bird has different proportions (stubbier wings, longer body) than others so it looks odd but to me design, detail, construction always looked good enough to me to make it real. Unlike most copies, its not even trying to look like anything else (but itself)! Anyway I know its not neccassarily undoubtable proof of authencity but Weitze, House of History, Huesken and other dealers have been moving these regularly for years now (despite some collectors' opinions) so some people like them and consider them original

For me, the only thing its missing is a pedigree: picts in wear, one found in its original package, design or construction details that may link it to an attributed 1st class specimen or a later or earlier variant 2nd class etc. and that is going to be the fun part

Nice bird, IMO you already have enough knowledge & experience of these to trust your "gut feeling" so enjoy it! Thats why we collect this stuff!

Regards

JC

[Robert P.]

With the introduction of the telltale sign of ribbon pattern patina I'm beginning to like this spangen more and more. It's the craziest looking spangen out there, but crazy enough to be real too.

Robert

[CMSgt]

Spange

JC, in this thread there is one posted in wear http://184.172.36.50/forums/showthre...+spange&page=2. The measurements of this spange are almost the same as the one tynacek posted in that thread.

Jim