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Hello Rod I am certainly not on some crusade against your piece and have given you my opinion for what it's worth already. It's important though that you are aware that fakes baring spurious marks including J. Wagner 14 Lotig DO exist. Check this link... http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIt...bayphotohosting The current offer for this piece on ebay? - 34 Euros... Marshall

As Greg has pointed out, the oblique viewing angles are a deliberate attempt to hide what is in essence a simple customised fake of the type often seen stamped with... 'J Wagner & Sohn'... an example of which can be seen in this current ebay auction.. http://cgi.ebay.de/Eisernes-Kreuz-1-Klasse...1QQcmdZViewItem An absolute pile of shite that must be avoided IMO. This guy is dangerous Marshall

In addition to his 1813 EK1, we see this guy - "E-Gliderider" - offering the age old combination of 9th Bead Fake 1870 EK2, non-serif 25 yr oaks, and Joh Wagner & Sohn WHSpange on a single ribbon. If ever there was an ensemble to avoid like the plague, this is it folks... Please don't waste your money on another one of these combo's... [attachmentid=63594]

I'm with Ralph... One of the most beautifully crafted awards ever made... the pictures in Stephen Previteras book are just absolutely breath-taking! For more info see.. http://www.pourlemerite.org/peace/peace.php Marshall

I agree - a perfectly good Godet Knopfloch DESTROYED by some Knop-end... Marshall

I don't know your relationship with the man nor whether you have his awards, but that is a fantastic and fairly rare photograph you have there Vince. Thanks very much for sharing it!! Marshall

Hi Steve OK - since you asked, I'll reiterate it's my personal view only and it's very simple. I'm a firm believer that only crosses marked 'I Wagner' are the bonefide Wagner issued pieces from the period, and therefore by default, I can see no logic behind a 'J Wagner' stamp being a concurrently used, period maker mark by the same Wagner firm in the 1870's. Besides, I've just seen too many fakes using the exact 'J Wagner' designate on this cross above to be comfortable with this as a legitimate period maker mark anymore. And I'm not alone... the subject was discussed here http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/sho...1870+EK1+makers by myself and others some time ago. I would encourage you to take some time and read it carefully - some interesting theories were raised. And for the record, the cross referred to in post #30 of that thread is the one pictured above... Just my thoughts... Marshall

Hi Rod Is it this one? Although personally this piece does not do it for me, $2800 is not over the top for a nice period 1870 EK1 that you trust. As my friend Tony J alluded above - the price is practically irrelevant... [attachmentid=59225]

Thanks David! M

Hi Fellas Can someone kindly help me out here... this is not my field at all. The Bulgarian MVO is not on the correct ribbon, right?... thanks Marshall

Do NOT spend money on this item. This is not a period 1813 EK2. Marshall

Yes it is David - thank you!

It's absolutely fine Don... This destinct type was favoured by Godet in both 1st and 2nd class. Marshall [attachmentid=55356] [attachmentid=55355]

Trust me.... wait for one in better condition. While this is a good one, you will regret the condition it is in 10 minutes after it arrives. Not particularly difficult to find in the 300 - 500 euro range. Marshall

The care and attention to detail is staggering... Again, if you stand on your head, this looks just like an iron cross...

Another one. If you look closely, you can clearly tell it's an iron cross.... Perhaps if this dude stood in the same street as the item he's photographing...

It looks pretty good to me Jim. Can you confirm whether the core is stepped - which would be unusual - or the beading is simply lifting? Marshall

A nice representative example of an otherwise impossible to obtain order Gordon. More-so because many of the T/R examples we see do NOT have the eyelet sunken into the frame (period originals from WW1 do). The display GK offered by Herman Historica in their last auction (listed as a 1920's 'Godet') whilst creditable, does not have this feature. Have you deciphered the hallmarks? Jim Worth considering that even Wagners period examples of this order (like Mackensen's below) are not exactly works of art!! Marshall

I agree - a nice original. Well done. Marshall

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A couple of mine - although they pale compared to the talents of some of you guys! Marshall [attachmentid=49676]

Les I have one from .. 'the 30's'... although when in the 30's I am unable to determine exactly. You may already have a copy - I can't remember if I sent you one. Anything specific?? M.

A wonderfull, rare and totally genuine period addition to the collection Gordon. Even nicer for the condition and the CORRECT Godet marking for this era. Congratulations. '39 frame Dan?? Not on your life - this type as worn by the Kaiser himself - and one of the few you 1870 EK1 hunters should target!! Marshall

Richard I beleive it is .. http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?s=&showtop...ost&p=82483 Marshall

It's a Prinzen remember gents - and damn close to the way good originals look. I would have at least asked for better photo's of the oddly spaced date area to make sure that wasn't just a trick of the light... I don't hate it.. Marshall