Ok, my question..... if we find an EK2 with a "Y" on the ring, we would have no problem saying "Thats the makers stamp"
If these stamps were not for advertising, but part of the quality control system for awards delivered to the army, then how about the following theory... (And i know that not all people like theories, but remember how Wernitz book proved a couple of things that had been theory up until the books came out)
If maker "whatever" had produced flat crosses with an "800" stamp, finished product that were then rerouted to the army... I am guessing that back plates may have been stamped before assembly? Imagine you assemble a cross, stamp the mark on the back, and turn it aver and see you have chipped the core? (Just a thought)
So maker "whatever" has his crosses rerouted to the army, but they are already stamped "800" where his control stamp should be... what would be more logical than stamping it somewhere else... in this case under the needle...
Godet stamped on the needle...
OK, all theory and thoughts... but I dont think we get anywhere without anyone putting a theory on the table....
If a firm stamp on one side of the needle, why not on the other? and if Y is an accepted EK2 producer, why not an EK1 ?