Mike K

Hi, This looks like a nice, genuinely worn Gold grade to me - a nice addition to any collection. Regards Mike

The cross on the right is definitely 2nd Class. You can just make out the ribbon loop. I'm not sure about the medals - ?Baden? Regards Mike

I can't figure out how to reply in the new classifieds section, but the Braunschweig KVK1 imo needs to be discussed; http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/classifieds/item/9-braunnscweig-war-service-cross-1st-class/ Regards Mike

I can only agree with Glenn, a very nice example indeed. Regards Mike

Hi Vic, Sorry, but for me this is a cast repro (as evidenced by the pock-marking, strange raised lumps on the lower reverse and weak maker mark) with incorrect hardware. Imo more likely 1980s. Regards Mike

I have the same hardware on an Imperial Black WB that I am not overly fond of (I put it in my suspect category). I believe the screwdisk and badge belong together though. As such, Micha, I think the black painted screwdsik does not belong on this cross. Regards Mike

Imo a generic "slant W" core used my many makers. Imo the main pin is not by Meybauer. An honest worn cross but imo the maker will remain unknown - unless someone does a serious frame beading study. Regards Mike

Well that's pretty interesting! A maker mark I don't recall hearing about before let alone seeing - thanks for sharing! Is the maker definite or only speculative based on the letters? How does an Austrian maker work in with the Zimmermann relationship though? I can't make out the first letter. Is it definitely a H and could an alternate maker be a Wagner variation? Regards Mike

An exceptionally nice original. Regards, Mike

Yes, definitely a fake - this marking is a fantasy. Regards Mike

I agree. It's the brooch style that's the main indicator of period. Regards Mike

Very nice Chris, from two highly sought after makers, thanks for sharing! Regards Mike

My example is one-piece. It's also only vaulted around the vertical axis (ie, only 2-way vault, not the typical 4-way vault). Nice to know there's more that one of this type! Regards Mike

The frames look like a total mismatch. I'd suggest, without seeing some edge shots, a put-together from original components. Regards Mike

Hi, Based on the not so great pics, I tend to agree. The reverse looks soft and there appears to be a strange feature on the reverse lower starburst arm (as pictured, reverse left if oriented normally). The rivets and hinge/pin don't look right, nor does the glitzy gold finish on the reverse. Better pics may tell a different story though. Regards Mike

Hi Tom, Where did that info come from? At this stage I disagree. The wartime awards with certainly in blackened iron, but are found in BOTH "smooth" and concave centered reverses. They typically had thin, full width, baseplates under either the hinge, the catch or both hinge and catch. These are the Knauer examples as far as I'm aware. Further, I have a suspicion that there were wartime awards made in tombak as private purchase - those I would assign to Zimmermann based on hardware. Brian, re your example, can you provide measurements? The reverse looks soft, the hinge looks unusual and the catchplate looks like it has been attached off-center (ie it sticks out to the reverse left). The latter is very unusual as, from what I can gather, the baseplates were attached and then hand finished to perfectly match the cross arm edges. I have a suspicion you example may be a casting. Regards Mike Regards Mike

I'd say no chance the Meybauer logo is under the catch. I really like the chunky replaced catch on it's baseplate though! Regards Mike

Hi Chris, No, it's not "related" to the other two in any way. The title of this thread is "...EKs with blued core". It has a blued core. It shows that there were more than just one or two manufacturers who finished their cores in this fashion. Imo the only thing this one shares with the other two core types is that they are all stamped from thin sheet metal. Regards Mike

Hi Rich, Yes, it was a nice one. I was sniped for it, but that's fine as I already have a decent one. I've been meaning to add to this thread for ages....in the interests of fairness, a third type of blued core EK1 needs to be added, as seen in the group scan below. These normally come 800 marked with either a thin flat pin or needle pin and a small barrel hinge. Regards Mike

Reverse...

I've never really looked into these before. I have 3 examples, including 2 recent arrivals. All are different (note the reverse "dedications"). I can't see one maker needing 3 variations, so I would have to assume that there was more than one manufacturer. I'd almost swear the example on the right has bronze coloured wreath/swords as well! Regards Mike

Many thanks for the replies so far gents. Husaren connection? The piece above came with the attached 22mm diam. stickpin (marked for a Kiel maker), which I thought was unrelated so did not post it. Does this help focus the investigation? Regards Mike

This popped up recently as a "have to have" because of the maker. Vaulted multi-piece construction, nicely silvered star burst and gilded "Peninsula" bar, matt enamel painted features, needle pin back. 40mm wide, 55mm tall. I am assuming some sort of Braunschweig veteran's item? Does anybody have any more info on this very colourful item? Regards Mike

I don't see any problems either - it screams original Meybauer to me! Regards Mike

...does anyone know what it is/for? ~45mm diameter. Regards Mike