Droocoo

The middle two on your last photograph look very suspicious - are they postwar modified? I am not sure that I have seen glue like that before

Nice mint EKII on your first post. Is the EKI a zinc core?

Lovely crosses, a pity that they are displayed heaped like that, but understandable at the same time

I have always found that the stippling on the enamel of these Spanish-made cores gives them a leathery appearance. Interesting crosses, have never seen them with hooks on the reverse. Where is the proof that these were theatre made? I can see nothing in Maerz or Previttera about their manufacture

In answer to your first question, I would concur that this cross is a WILM cross. The crown is quite tall and characteristic of the WILM core. Shame about the surface rust - I have been wondering whether a small amount of oil on the surface can prevent further oxidation penetrating the core? What harm would this cause to the enamel paint and the rest of the medal?

Hi All, I was cataloguing my collection, and came across a Mentioned in Dispatches certificate that I have for 2/Lieutenant Walter Hayward. I have researched Walter’s history extensively. I had a look at the MID certificate and the signature at the bottom appears to be written (to me) in ink. Is this Winston Churchill’s signature and therefore did he hand sign this?

Hi all, this is a photograph that I recently purchased, and I believe these men to be schutztruppen in Deutsche Südwest Afrika. Now, are these pre-World War I or World War I?

My contribution, from a feldpostkarte sent from the Bayer Landwehr Jar 3 2nd Kompanie

Yes I thought as much. Thank you

I did actually so thank you for following up, I was unaware of the “follow topic” icon so did not receive this notification

Hi all, A friend of mine who collects British medals has purchased the following EKI and EKII for the 1870 series. I own two 1870 EKII’s and no EKI’s and I am a bit out of practice on spotting fakes. I feel that the EKI is wrong because of the crown and reverse finish. I also feel the EKII is incorrect because of the crown. I realise that the EKII has a re soldered ring too. Do others feel as though these are reproductions? more of the EKI Some of the EKII Another of the EKII

Hi all, I am researching an Order of Glory to a Staff Sergeant of the 14th Rifle Division, 14th Army for 29 July 1943. I am aware that the unit was placed on the Karelian Front locked in trench warfare against German and Finnish units. I was wondering whether anyone knew of the particular movements or actions taken part in by the 14th Rifle Division in the summer of 1943? Any help is greatly appreciated, Andrew

Hi all, I am looking to write an article on the C.F. Zimmermann company and differences in their Iron Crosses, but have been unable to find a history of the firm. I am aware that the initials stand for “Carl Friedrich Zimmermann” and that the company is from Pforzheim, but that is all. Any help would be appreciated, as well as any online sources that I can use. Kind regards, Andrew

Thank you very much! To my knowledge, Zimmermann and Godet had links during the Second World War. Did they also have a relationship during the First World War? 1. If so, what was the nature of this connection? 2. If they were only corresponding after 1939, can we date this cross to then?

Hi all, Just wanted to show my new Godet double screw-back. The “4” on the core differs from the usual Godet core. It resembles a Zimmermann core instead. I know that the companies shared parts - is this a hybrid? It is marked as a Godet should be, with a * to the second baseplate. Andrew

Thank you very much I really appreciate this

Hi all, I am looking for the original source for the Iron Crosses’ charter in 1813 as well as again in 1914. I have some of the text here: https://www.epoche-napoleon.net/historisches/eine-kleine-geschichte-des-eisernen-kreuzes.html But was wondering where this came from and whether there was a corresponding document for the Iron Cross 1914? Any help would be appreciated, Andrew

Hi all, I am researching the Mecklenburg War Merit Cross 2nd Class 1914, and am aware that there were Third Reich, AWS and Zimmermann made examples. As I am writing on the subject, I would like to see an AWS example, as well as any primary sources that describe the production or numbers of crosses issued. I would really appreciate anyone who could help in this regard. Keep in mind that I cannot read German. Kind regards, Andrew

Very interesting - I will take better photographs when I have the medal to hand

I have been informed that the A is an assembler’s mark

Hi all, I cannot recall seeing an Assmann EK1 before, so here are some photographs. Apologies for the quality, they are the best to hand at the moment.

Thank you for your reply. I think you are correct - do you feel as though it is a Maybauer then?

Thanks Peter - a nice Weimar Republik example (which I have wanted for some time)

Hi Peter, I am aware of the undertaking - I collect British medals so this is a side interest for me. Nevertheless, it is an interesting one! I have a few reference books including Maerz’s for the Third Reich and Previtera’s for Imperial crosses. There are 102 marks known for the Imperial Iron Cross. I have 25 manufacturers thus far, so a little way to go. Andrew

Hi everyone, Here is a nice Bremen group from my collection. Andrew