Steve campbell

That's one of the reasons I posted it. This way others can learn and hopefully these men will never be forgotten.

Here's a picture of me next to the periscope of U-190, which surrendered here on the east coast of Newfoundland, Canada on May 12, 1945. It's located here in St. John's not far from my house at an ex officers club. It's fully functional and actuall extends out through the roof so you can see the suronding buildings. The sub was later put into service as Canada's first submarine. They also have a great album of all the crew surrendering and leaving the boat. They seem really happy. There's lots of great photos. Thought someone might enjoy this.

Here's a monument to Thomas Ricketts here in my hometown of St. John's Newfoundland. It's a few minutes from my house. A V.C winner we are quite proud of here. He was only about 17 when he won it. I thought someone might enjoy it. Here's some more information. http://www.answers.com/topic/thomas-ricketts

I'm no expert but the maker's stamp gives it away. It is too big and not like the ones you see on original pieces. that is one giveaway right there. They never did a good job on it at all.

Thanks. Always trying to learn.

Thanks, I'm working on building it up. I'm still kicking myself for missing those two Imperial EK2's you sold awhile back, one marked WILM. Missed a few of your offerings actually.I got your friend Gordon's bok after. It's a good read for sure. Thanks.

Tell me about it. Here's they are with my Imperials. I've added a few since this picture was taken. I have 24 here right now with another on the way. I'm already hooked! By the way did, are you the same guy I bought that CD800 EK2 from? Thanks for looking. Steve

Hi Steve. Have you checked out the Wound Badge thread here? Looks like it's right up your alley. Good to see you. Steve

Here's a better picture (Thanks Imperial Quest). No it is not a brass core although these are often mistaken as such. The core is magnetic and I think it may just be a copper plated iron. Anyone have any opinions on this? This is a great looking piece and one of my favorites for sure.

When you say the piece does not do it for you, are you refering to it's authenticity, or is it just something that doesn't appeal to you from a collecting standpoint?

I'm fairly new here so I thought I'd post my small collection of 1939 EK's. From left to right they are as follows 2nd Class: Shinkelform MM'ed 65 MM'ed 25 Unmarked 24 MM'ed 44 Unmarked 98 1st Class Unmarked 11 Thanks for looking.

Here's a picture of a zinc core EK2 I have. This is the only picture I have right now, pictured with another of my EK's. This one is obviously on the right and is marked on the ring with the square punch mark. It's an interesting piece for sure.

I'm not sure about prices but if your piece is genuine you have a desireable item to say the least. I believe they made 1307 of these 1st class awards so they are rare, especially when you consider how many are still around. There are more common awards out there going for alot more such as the 1939 Knight's Cross. That's a bargain compared to those. How many do you see for sale that are real? A second class version goes for at least $500 and there were over 40,000 of those made. It's hard to say if you paid too much. Depends on the money you have to spend on items like this. I would love to have one but would'nt buy one unless I could afford it. If you can and you trust the piece enjoy it. You have one of the more desirable EK examples around. Your out almost $3000, but how many people can say they have one in thier collection. I say enjoy it, it doesn't sound that outrageous a price in this field. How many items can you name that are going for well over $3000 in this hobby that are no where near as rare or hard to find as an 1870 1st class? Wish I had one.

That's the flag you were telling me about. Very nice.

That was my point exactly. It's as if after 45 it was all over. I don't have a problem with that. I too have at 2 1914 EK1's that are most likely from the 30's and I love them. I believe the firm of S & L from Austria made EK's after 45,with the same dies, same construction, swazticas etc. Correct me if I'm wrong. There's speculation other firms did too. S& L were a genuine firm during the war (maker mark #4). These crosses are not well regarded or considered genuine by most from what I understand. I guess the line has to be drawn somewhere and that is after 1945. I guess it makes sense as the world changed drastically after that. If I could get my hands on a 1870 EK made anytime before 45 I would. After 45 just doesn't seem right.

So what is the attitude of collectors to such a piece? Still genuine although not as desirable I would guess. Third Reich era 1914 crosses have been considered genuine, although many of thier recipients would have been around to order them as replacements. Where is the line drawn, as any post 1945 crosses are not deemed as genuine even if they were made by wartime firms. What would something like this be worth. I for one would like to have one as a variant in my collection.

Why would such a cross be made that late. Was there any recipients still left around who would have ordered one? Is this piece still considered gunuine?

I guess I should have looked a litle harder, they are all EK2's. Nice display. Why did you give up on EK1's?

How many EK's are there? And whats the breakdown between 1's and 2's?

Thanks, It's a beautiful cross. It came with an EK2 Spange on the ribbon, a really nice setup. I'll figure it out yet.

Unfortunatley thats the best i can do right now. I don't have a digital camera and the marks are too hard to read even with a 15x jewllers loup. The marks are both on the small ring that is attached to the cross. One appears to be a makers design of some sort and the other may be 3 letters or numbers. Sorry about the scans.

[attachmentid=56844][attachmentid=56845]This EK has 2 different marks on the loop attached to the cross itself. I can't read them but I was wondering if anyone could tell the maker my looking at the cross itself. One mark appears to be some sort of design the other is 3 letters or maybe a silver mark.

Thanks guys. Is this a hard maker to find?

Not sure why the picture won't load. Just looked at it. It looks like a D but could be an O. Has anyone ever heard of an FD maker?