What came in the mail--please alleviate some concerns

[Brien]

I am estatic today! I received in the mail to day an early 1957 version Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with oakleaves and swords. I am jumping for joy.

I have one nagging concern that maybe you folks can help me with and alleviate any questions so that I may enjoy this piece with all the reverence it derserves and that I can finally join the ranks proud 57 RK owners!

I have a concern about what seems to be reworking of this cros, or at least strange workmanship. There seems to be some sort of filler used to seal the gaps in the joints. it is very dark gray and I wanted to know if this is standard on the 57 pieces. I know they were not made to the exacting standards as the 39-45 RKs but I though the early ones were built with the same quality
(No offense whatsoever is intended to the seller who is a forum member, since this is my first RK I just want to be sure I have the real deal)

Photos attached

If the photos don't come out I'll Try again. Sorry for the quality..can't keep still enough

[coastie]

No Pictures try again Mate.

[Brien]

Heres a few more:

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Brien,

The "filler" (probably solder) you describe is something I've seen before, even on earlier 57er RKs. Some WERE assembled/finished better than others though. I doubt if it's been messed with as such. The key would be whether the "filler" is fluch with the frame edges and has aligned/corresponding file/finishing marks going from one edge of the frame, across the solder and onto the other frame half. The solder should be pre-filing/finishing. If there are "blobs" of filler/solder squeezing out of the joint or slapped on the frames, then you may have a problem.

As an example of solder in an early 57er RK, here's a blurry shot from the Schickel I sold recently. All the outer edges were near perfect, but this inner edge had a bit of fill.

Regards
Mike K

[Brien]

The solder is even with flush with the frame, I just didn't expect it like that on an early piece. Knowledge is wisdom, and I still have a long way to go before I become a wise man!


Brien

[Dietrich Maerz]

My 57 cross has that , too. Not such much but still. I'm convinced it is solder and it's just the way they turned out to be. No reason of concern. You see this sometimes also with pre-45 crosses, i.e. the discolored solder, especially at the top of the ring.

Dietrich

[Brien]

If that's the wa it'supposed to be then...YIPPEE! When I can get pictures I'll post them!

[Henri S]

I had that too on a early rk. Here is the picture.