Ehrenpokal Engraving Question

[Tim O.]

Hi all

I only acquired my first Ehrenpokal this year so am no expert. I have been comparing the two examples I now have: one 835 silver; one Alpaka. The quality of the engraving on the silver example is very fine and smoothly done, while that on the Alpaka example is of lower quality.

I have no reason to think that either is anything other than original and both have previously got the thumbs up here.

My question is: is the quality of the engraving always of less quality on Alpaka examples than silver examples, or is it simply down to the skill of the individual engraver?

Here they are to compare:

Breese's is 835 Silver, Petersen's is Alpaka.

[Luftm40]

IMO...these were hand engraved, so you will see slight variations in style and neatness...it is also possible to find pokals w/ slight manufacturing defects. The goblets themselves were also hand assembled.

[Tim O.]

Apologies - senior moment. This is meant to be in the Luftwaffe section. Perhaps the moderators could move it for me.

[nick-j]

The engraving is always so similar you have to guess there were strict instructions on the font, spacings & wording.
I also wondered if the location of base of the recipients Geschwader etc. played a part as to whether he got a silver or alpaca goblet ie. the supplier had a stock of silver ones to issue.I have had two silver goblets to pilots in KG1-- Hindenburg and have seen a lot of others -- its not dependant on the date so I have always wondered.

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Tim,

I see what you are saying on the difference of the quality of the lettering. On the alpaka example, it almost looks like it was chipped in with a chisel compared with the 835 example. I would expect the engraving to be made by similar tools and quality since both were Wagner, but certainly don't know enough about these to venture a true opinion....since they don't have a hinge and catch

Tom

[Ron Weinand]

My Alpaca Galland

Paul Galland

[Tim O.]

Thanks Ron and everyone else. I'm not sure that we have looked in detail specifically at engraving before.