EK 1939 Iron Cross Help !

[Marco]

Hi Gents,

I have been searching for some time to locate a clean WW2 Iron Cross Class 1, hopefully in original case and marked. Pin or screwback is fine.
The problem appears to be that there are 1000's scattered over the Internet and as I wish to avoid buying a lemon, was hoping that a member maybe able to assist in some way ?

I am not stuck on a specific LOD, but any help on where I should be looking and realistically expected to pay would be really appreciated.

My grandfather was in the German forces serving with the 'Afrika Korps' and sadly perished during the conflict in the early 1940's. My little boy is now fascinated with the history of WW2 and I am hoping to locate the right 'Ritterkreuz' that can stay in the family for future generations.

In anticipation of any assistance
Regards
Marco

[Ralph A]

Hello Marco, welcome to the forum. There is a "Wanted" area in the Classifieds section. Look at the top of the home page.

There are also plenty of reputable dealers with good stocks. My favorite is Helmut Weitze. But first try the members by way of the Wanted section.

By the way, you mention an EK first class, then later on you mention Ritterkreuz. Two widely different things!

[Marco]

Hi Ralph,

Thank you for the advice. I will try the members, but also check out your recommendation.

Sorry about the confusion in ref to EK 1st & R/Kreuz. Two things in my mind at the same time !

Regards

Marco

[Nick]

Marco

Perhaps you would like to give us some details of your grandfather, any photos or award documents perhaps ?

[Alex K]

Hello Marco, as mentioned there are very wide differences between an EKI and a Ritterkreuz, whilst being of the same "Family" the difference in cost between both is astronomical. IMHO a cased EKI (WWII) in good condition with case etc should go for between 300-400GBP nowadays, Be aware, there ARE many fakes on internet selling sites and you can get your fingers burnt, best deal with sites such as GMIC, and other collectors forums where you have greater chance of obtaining an genuine example. The area of TR collecting is frought with danger, (That's why I stopped collecting it)

best regards

Alex K

[saschaw]

If I were you, I'd buy an award type (pin back, unmarked or PKZ number), and not a private purchase cross (screw back, with a LDO number). But mybe I'm just too much a purist.

Unfortunately I cannot offer you anything, because I'm only having an uncased cross for sale at the moment.

[ben bijker]

Since Marco's father died in early 1940, an early unmarked ek would be the best choice IMO....

[Marco]

Hey Gents,

Sorry for my delayed response !

Thank you for the kind feedback. I have spoken to Helmut Weitze and awaiting a reply from Andreas as to what they have currently on stock that may be of specific interest etc...

In terms of details of my grandfather, unfortunately after WW2 during the British occupation the family was torn apart which resulted in my Grandma fleeing to the UK with my father and a Chef from the British forces. I am sure you can imagine the reception for a teenage German boy in a British school at the time ? Subsequently, my relatives in the Black Forest were/are reticent to release any historical artifacts that belonged to my late Grandfather. It appears a real shame not to have the opportunity to pass on to my own son who is really interested in these matters. My late brother and I were also always deeply moved by the historical story, but unfortunately these events often happen within families.

I guess the political, national and personal divide has proved to wide to bridge. Even after all these years !

Kindest regards

Marco