The Amazing Fakes or "Latvian" if you like.

[Peter Wiking]

I do not know were they come from, but they are all similar.

The EK1 Fakes.
The coils ((((( are perfectly cut on all of them. Note the blue/grey patina and the catch with the little dent. 1870, 1914 and 1939 shown here.

[Peter Wiking]

The RK Fakes.
Thes fakes can be found with all sorts of markings. The coils ((((( are perfectly cut on all of them.

[Peter Wiking]

More details.

[Peter Wiking]

DKG DKS Fakes.
An interesting detail on these fakes are the little folds on the wreath ribbon that goes in the wrong direction. Here marked with red arrows. Typical for this type of fake. Note the blue/grey patina on the wreath of the silver version.

[Peter Wiking]

Gold.

[upbeek]

fakes

they are frightenning chay

[Peter Wiking]

Silver.

[Peter Wiking]

A bit more details on the EK1. Here the 1939 and 1914 version. Note again the blue/grey patina.

[Peter Wiking]

Thats all for now.

Cheers.
Peter

[junior]

Peter,

First of all: thanks or posting those reference-pics. It will be helpfull for us. They look indeed frightening! But, as Pieter once mentioned:

"We learn them how to do it..."

Regards,
Junior

[John Ammons]

peter, many thanks for sharing those examples with us... they'll certainly come in handy. i find it interesting that 'dimple' appears on the catch of all the ek examples... certainly a fake hallmark to watch for.

[John Pic]

There is also something about the shape of the KC and loop that is very slight yet noticeable at least to those who have seen and held original crosses.Many people despise fake anything.These were made to decieve which is too bad because, if they were sold as repros to use for display on a mannequin they are decently made though not like any original and just visually like a movie prop.

[dougas]

Not much longer now...

I give it 2-3 years and a fake EK1 and RK will be for sale on Estand, and there will be not a chance in hell of telling real from fake. You cannot stop the fakers from getting it perfect, technology will make it sooooo easy. I am pretty sure that China will be spitting these things out very soon.

"My english is not very good, what makes this a fake?.........

It cannot be that hard to do, the profit margins will drive it and hey presto.

[Henri S]

Very good work and observations Peter. It surely is frightening when you see some of these fakes. YES they are learning as they go on and they keep getting better. This makes our hobby so fragile. I do at times wonder if there are already items that are fooling us.

[Ed Tainton]

Peter, I have watched your knowledge on DK's and KC's grow on this Forum. Well done. Your presentation and pictures are excellent and are a real benefit to our members. You have probably saved many members from wasting their money on these fakes.