Graf

some are not usually found on the original Crosses This one is 1914 EK1 by AWS It was owned by a German Captain of U -Bout

Hi Eric, I agree with you about the attachments Some of the were added for additional retention/security - some are not very good

No harm done Try to stick to the Topic If you have knowledge in the field , please feel free to ciontribute Cheers!

https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/iron_cross/2nd_1st_class/manufacturing/manufacturing.htm#top

Hi, vPerlet, The Original Star is made of 14 Carat Gold and only 58 Stars were ever awarded It was the highest Communist Order. As information 5 of those 58 Stars were awarded to the Soviet Leader Leonid Breznev The design might look cheap bu as the German Iron Cross has a "presence" I am one of the others who discuss the Royal Order of St Alexander and we are serious collectors with experience and dedication As far as I know there is not such trend in Bulgaria Only the current King Simeon had awarded his own Model of some of the Bulgarian Orders, while he was in exile in Spain. The order were produced in Spain and had their own specific features After the "collapse" of the Communism in Bulgaria in 1990, some of the Royal Orders were re -Introduced with different design This Star listed by 992F is fake since the body is recently produced. Marks on the Star are shocking. As Igor suggested the fakers I might had used an Original Central medallion till proved otherwise. The only way is to inspect the central medallion and test it.. Regards

This is very interesting very early Fernard Heremans Grand Officer Star In my opinion is dating just before WW1 Period. This type of pin assembly is very similar to the Buls Stars assembly The Star could be a combination of both makers Very nice and impressive Star What is the size of the Star Looks very big

Fake Star of Hero of People's Republic of Bulgaria The seller is honest to states it is Replica, however he/she/it did not specify more You can see the poor quality of the Star which is cast especially the reverse Poor quality of the text The official Replica or "wearer: copy is made of heavily gilded basic metal, however the quality is nearly as good as the original Star Here is an original Star to compare with the fake

Hi v.Perlet, The manufacturing process of all EKs is the same The way that the makers are identified are specific features of their Crosses ..not only the makers marks. personally I do not buy unmarked EKs. I agree that only the pictures are not good enough Holding the Real EK and look all the specific features, sometimes under magnifying glass, gives you the best experience

I agree

Wlcome Cheers

The topic is getting interesting Yes, The EKs on the Group pictures are mine, otherwise I will specify that they are not. The Werner Cross with the screw back I started this topic is not mine I saw it on internet and listed it for opinions. Regarding The EKs and high end fakes This is a whole new topic The most faked ones are from the WW2 period since the dies and the left over materials were available Also those fakes could have been sold on very good prices This forum is not to discuss who has been involved in this shady trades, since I can reassure that it is happening even now as we "talk'. However not to offend anyone I will not discuss it The Topic is whether this Werner 1st Class Cross is good or not Over the years I know that a very reputable Person lodged on the marked a questionable 1914 EK! supposedly made by Hensen. The butch was introduced on the market slowly not to bring any attention..and sold in a good numbers for very good prices. Of course 1914 EK1 are not faked as 1939 ones, however we can see them in eBay very often. Good thing is that their quality will not fool experienced collector, however the new starters are the target My advice for the new collectors -Go first with the basic well known makers, get experience and knowledge and then slowly add more advanced items Otherwise you will depart with your hard earned money buying fakes

Good Luck

Very interesting Cross

No problem I will send you if i get anything nice

Hi It is getting interesting The reason I had listed the screw back version is that only the one listed today with a pin is well known Original by this maker and i wanted opinion on the screw back one which is not mine The EK1 with the pin is mine and is one of my top 1st Class EKs

Lovely miniatures Yes some of the Leopold 1 Orders including their miniatures were made by French makers

Nice collections!

Amazing collection Well done!

Yes i agree as well

Impressive Collection

It is real beauty

I agree Any conversion could be war time or made recently The question is if the collector wants to have it or not.

Do not forget that there is 23 25 % commission which makes the final price around 15 000 Your argument also is true An Original awarded piece with a very strong provenance will fetch much more