Glenn R

Hi M. the cross looks absolutely fine to my eyes. Nice piece. I’m no expert on urkunde but from the examples I’ve owned I see no problems with that one. perhaps if you post it in the signatures forum someone will be able to identify the awarding officer. nice set.

Just leafing back through this thread Brian and I can add something to this post. this badge was worn on the lower left sleeve of our tunics and “nato” sweaters back in the day. Not sure if its still worn, but it represents the freedom of the borough of Stafford awarded to all officers at some point in the past. Apparently it conferred the right to March through Stafford with drawn swords or to herd livestock through the town! Personally I never took up either option. Glenn

I tend to leave mine as I find them but it's each to their own. An original pin reattached to this cross would do nothing to hurt the integrity of the piece. To me a damaged pin is a bit of character though! Glenn

Beautiful and very rare. Well done Jannis, that's a fine cross for any collection. One I'd love to find complete and marked as yours is. Glenn

Thanks Rob.

Eric, Yes I was really excited last night to see that it was from the same maker. It does have a real hand made look and finish to it. Very finely made. There's nothing under the pin, no other markings. I was wondering about the Vatt under Mutt myself. Sadly I have no understanding of German dialects but you could well be right on either of those. Daddy and mummy is usually replaced by mum and dad over here as you get older. Feasibly it could simply be a trait of that particular family and not common. Very pleasing engraving, so well done. Under a loup you can really appreciate the workmanship. Glenn.

As promised. A few pics of the new Cross which arrived today. Interesting to see that it is double 800 stamped similarly to the double 800 stamped crosses shown on the other thread on the subject by Chris and Eric however in this case both stamps are running vertically but in different directions. On the pin the 8 is at the top and on the arm, the bottom. Any observations re the maker or similarities/differences to the other thread gents? Glenn.

Lovely piece Joel. Such a high quality screw back pattern and so nicely finished. Congratulations! Glenn

Cheers Joel

That is a beauty. Seems I commented on it in 2008! My memory really doesn't stretch that far but my opinion hasn't changed. Thanks Eric. Glenn

Thanks ccj. Yes clearly a few differences there. I'm intrigued to see if there's any markings on the pin when closed. Not easy to see from the angle its at but the pin appears quite similar. I shall certainly post more images once it arrives Eric. Do you have any pics of your CD style? Glenn

I just managed to bag this one in my endless quest for engraved crosses. Haven't got it in the hand yet so these are the only pics I have. Appears to be the same maker I'd say? Coming with the receipt and box from Spinks Auction House from 1981 where it fetched the princely sum of £41. Having said that I started collecting EKs in the late 80's and could pick a belter up for that money. I do love personalised gift crosses like this one. Unit and date marked crosses are obviously researchable and who doesn't love them but I do have a real soft spot for this type of engraving as to my mind it tells a different side of the war's story. Glenn.

Great little collection Chuck thanks for sharing

Personally I'd be happy to buy this a a WW1 period made cross. There being a large variety of screwbacks made during and post war, it's a really nice cross Chuck. Thanks for posting Glenn

Surprising there are few about. Same award criteria for all officers. Maybe it's possible that more female officers leave before the award length of service is reached. Don't have any statistics to offer on that one. Glenn.