The firm of Otto Schickle never made a Knights Cross with zinc core. Both known models (unmarked and L/15) have an iron core and a Neusilber frame.
It is true that in the early days some companies used non-iron cores. On the field of the RK this was Juncker with the very early models and the unknown manufacturer of the 3/4 Ring RK, who used copper. After the introduction of the LDO the manufacturing control was tighter for sure. But as late as July 1943 (!!) the PKZ had to remind manufacturers that the core of any Iron Cross needed to be made of iron and three companies were reminded to do so or the manufacturing license would be removed.
The well known zinc-cored Knights Crosses with zinc cores are the post-war B-Types made by S&L.
I have no idea about badges. Attached is an article, dated 3/42, that talks about the switch from the earlier material (most likely Tombak) to zinc. Unfortunately no war badges are mentioned.
Dietrich
It is true that in the early days some companies used non-iron cores. On the field of the RK this was Juncker with the very early models and the unknown manufacturer of the 3/4 Ring RK, who used copper. After the introduction of the LDO the manufacturing control was tighter for sure. But as late as July 1943 (!!) the PKZ had to remind manufacturers that the core of any Iron Cross needed to be made of iron and three companies were reminded to do so or the manufacturing license would be removed.
The well known zinc-cored Knights Crosses with zinc cores are the post-war B-Types made by S&L.
I have no idea about badges. Attached is an article, dated 3/42, that talks about the switch from the earlier material (most likely Tombak) to zinc. Unfortunately no war badges are mentioned.
Dietrich
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