George Hammerton

The inscription on the stamp says "ABW.-INTDTR. D. FRÜH. II. A.-K." round the edge of the stamp, and "zweigstelle" at the bottom. With regards to translation, "ABW.-INTDTR. D. FRÜH. II. A.-K." I think means "Settlement commissariat of the Division of the Former II. Armeekorps" - a bit of a mouthful! "Zweigstelle" translates as "office branch". This may be completely incorrect, so I welcome any ideas!

Thats pretty much what I thought....can you explain the crossing out of the last two lines?

This is a superb reference for EK II makers and their relative markings: http://www.kaisersbunker.com/stuff/1914_EK2_makers.htm This should get you/us started

Are there any marks along the ribbon ring? If so what do they say? Here's a link to a good reference for EK makers and their individual markings: http://www.kaisersbunker.com/stuff/1914_EK2_makers.htm

I recently recieved an 1914 iron cross 1st Class: When I first got it, it seemed pretty normal; magnetic core, silver edges and back, marked "KO" etc. However, when I looked closer, it seemed slightly odd; the back pin had been replaced (as denoted by the tarnish around the hinge), and the frame didn't quite fit the magnetic core. At first I thought this was fairly common, since I had seen similiar things around the forum, and I presumed it was simply an early imperfect iron cross which had had some adjustments (i.e. the back pin). However the next thing really stumped me; the medal's documentation. Having been awarded around 1920, I assumed it was simply a delayed processing award that had only recently been awarded. However when I looked at the award certificate, it seemed a little strange. First of all, the stamp on the paper is different from other similiar documentation for iron crosses from that period. Secondly, the wording denoting who the award is from is crossed out, and the initals of the man who awarded it have been changed. Any ideas? Could this award be one which was unofficial, as denoted by the "adjustments" to the certificate?

Just wondering where I could find out some more information about iron crosses awarded post world war I for actions by the Freikorps. I think I'm right in thinking these are quite rare?.......there's nothing on the internet about them..... Any information would be much appreciated...

Very interesting find...I think it could in fact be genuine........in fact, similiar to what gregM said, there are numerous accounts of iron crosses being cast out of virtually anything near the end of world war I......it was cheaper than solid silver. So in fact....I think it is genuine, yet just a later version