Fire Brigade 1st class cross 1938

[jmb]

I'd like to hear your comments on this cross.
It seems to be a good one, but my knowledge on civil decorations is quite limited. I don't know if there is copies of such a cross and if it can fool.
Ribbon is missing otherwise very good condition; no chips in enamel.
No maker mark.
Thanks for your help.

[jmb]

reverse

[Gene]

This is a second class cross, and looks like a nice one.

[jmb]

I don't think it's a second class cross as attachment is different. Refering to Forman's Guide 2nd edition page 196-197, this is a first class on breast ribbon. Attachment on the second class is like an EK II and not a ball sitting on top of the cross.
I'm not used with Fire Brigade crosses so am I right ?

[Frank Heukemes]

No, it definitely is a second class cross, like Gene said. 1st class crosses have a pin like an EK1. That "ball" is typical for second class crosses of this award.

[jmb]

Thanks Gene and Franck for the info.
It seems that Forman did a mistake in his guide 2nd edition. Did he fix it in the third one?

[Gerd Becker]

Thanks Gene and Franck for the info.
It seems that Forman did a mistake in his guide 2nd edition. Did he fix it in the third one?

The 1st class of this cross was in the beginning on a ribbon, but it has to be a golden one then. Later they switched to 1st class pinback crosses.

best,
Gerd

[jmb]

Thanks Gerd

[WARLORD]

Sorry to differ. In the first instance the Ist Class was a large pin backed breast cross. This had a 2nd class that was on a ribbon, coloured silver as the 1sT CLASS. THIS WAS CHANGED TO A 1ST CLASS, THAT WAS IDENTICAL IN DESIGNE TO THE 2ND CLASS, BUT WAS COLOURED GOLD. The box for the 1st class is oblong with a ribbon compartment and a gold line round the lid. The 2nd class box is square with no ribbon compartment and has a plain line round the lid.

[CurtD]

1st class Fire Cross is very rare. Most of the ones you encounter are fakes.

Are there any forum members who own a real one (and can you post a pic)?

[WARLORD]

I have both paterns and the citation for the early award