Spain Cross - Unknown (Sedlazek distributor marked)

[Gary B]

In an upcoming auction.

Thoughts?

Gary B

[Leroy]

I've seen one of these before (although not with these markings). Many, many years ago, Steve Wolfe told me that he had also seen this "style" and that he considered it original.

[Richard]

The swastika doesn't look right (not uniform) and it doesn't look very well centered in the circle. Could be the photo angle.
Richard V

[Gary B]

Thanks for the comments. Any other opinions?

Gary B

[Gary B]

No other comments on this piece?

Gary B

[Brian S]

I don't know what to make of these... No clue.

They say on their site:

"Note: Friedrich Sedlatzek was the then merchant of orders and awards and not the manufacturer."


I am not at this moment able to match it to another manufacturer.

Read a few RK threads in the past about Sedlatzek RKs and I believe some think they made their own unique RK with period photos to support.


Note:
Friedrich Sedlatzek was the then merchant of orders and awards and not the manufacturer.
and I think there is belief they made a unique RK.

[Leroy]

...

Read a few RK threads in the past about Sedlatzek RKs and I believe some think they made their own unique RK with period photos to support...

It is pretty clear that the so-called "Sedlatzek" RK was actually made by Souval early in the war, and likely distributed by Sedlatzek (who had a long-existing relationship with Souval, which continued postwar). Souval never received a government contract to made the RK for award purposes.

Whether or not Souval might have had anything to do with the SK which is the subject of this thread is unknown to me. The "downtail" eagle used (which is, IMO, quite attractive) is totally different from the style used by Souval postwar. It would be interesting to compare the beading patterns on the arms of this SK with the beading patterns exhibited on the postwar Souval SK (and, for that matter, S&L's, too).

[Gary B]

An interesting cross for sure. I have never seen this pattern but like the finish and some other attributes.

Will be interesting to see if it garners a lot of bids.

Gary B

[Brian S]

I guess I am going to get schooled on this one... Price always dictates originality... I know what this cross is not but I sure don't know what it is. If you believe Sedlazek stamped their mark on other manufacturer's items then shouldn't it actually "be" something identifiable? Best of wishes to the high bidder but these little dove looking birds just don't make me a believer. I've seen too many fakes with mal-formed birds, long necked turkeys, squished looking eagles looking like pigeons, doves... School me...

[Leroy]

Final sales price: $3927 (+ Buyer's Premium of $687.22 = $4614.22). Two more shots below.

(P.S. Also saw that the S&L DKiG marked "4" went for -including Buyer's Premium- $6984.20.)

[Brian S]

I love auctions don't you? I mean here's a cross that looks like, well nothing I've ever seen. But maybe... So bid on it. And if another guy bids on it, well, it must be real. And sure enough, someone bid lots more than you so that just makes it more real. So bid higher and higher and then you have absolute legitimacy it must be real.

It is in the words of a great collector and dealer, "Self Authenticating". If you hit that Increase Bid button enough times in response to another collector hitting his Increase Bid button, it's genuine. I have no faith, so far, in that cross, and if it appears "in print" in someone's future book on the SK, that too won't "self authenticate". It takes more...

[Gary B]

Ratisbon's always gets great prices for minty items. I just wish in this case I knew exactly what we were looking at.

Gary B

[Leroy]

Interesting SK (not this type) shown here, but with Sedlatzek maker name seemingly engraved, not stamped: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ight=sedlatzek

[Brian S]

Yes and on a KNOWN SK! I am pretty sure at quick glance the Sedlatzek marked cross (in the thread you reference) is a Deumer. Pics aren't great but it is either a Deumer or a Meybauer with hand finishing to the sword hilt. Either way, a known cross...

This one???

[Leroy]

The circle may be narrowing. If you go on Google and enter the search term "variant spanish cross", then hit "images", this image is one of the first shown. It is NOT the same one just sold (look carefully, especially at the bottom of the wings and the exact angle of the swastika center medallion). Here is the description:

" More information
A Spanish Cross in Silver with Swords, and a 19 mm miniature Silver, frosted and polished on the raised edges, separately applied eagle and medallion (slightly askew). Reverse waisted attachment pin, "800" fineness mark and "F. Sedlatzek Berlin". Very rare maker variant in outstanding condition. Weight 34.5 g (OEK 3806). Included is a miniature in special 19 mm size, silvered non-ferrous metal (signs of wear), medallion with separately applied eagles. This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage. Date taken: 23 July 2010 Photographer: INTERFOTO / History"