Bill Garvy

Here is a scan of the reverse; note the wear lines in the metal from the wearer's tunic. . .

Here's another one you don't see every day, a "23" maker marked Iron Cross in 1st Class for the firm of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Heereshedarf darf In der Graveur-u. Ziseleurinnung. . . Note the rounded inner corners and sharp cornices, just like a Souval. . . obverse: [attachmentid=7519]

Although I sold all of my early unmarked Meybauer's, I still have one in my collection (I saved the best one.) that I would be willing to post for comparison of the pin, hinge and clasp if you like? Let me know. . .

Yes, George, sharp outer corners. . .

That's a worthy hypothesis, George. I think Micha's cross is indeed a genuine Meybauer. It is not at all similar to the reproduction you have shown.

And finally the maker mark. . .

A view of the reverse. . .

I just had to grab this one up recently as most of the maker marked "L/56" Iron Crosses in 1st Class I have seen offered were screwbacks. . .

The reverse with its broken clasp, and steel pin. . .

Another example with the aformentioned features; rounded inner corners, low "3", and unique cornices. . .

Maker mark. . .

Reverse. . .

And another for comparison. . .

"925" Silver marked Oak Leaves & Swords reverse. . .

"925" Silver marked Oak Leaves and Swords obverse. . .

"925" Silver marked Oak Leaves reverse. . .

"925" Silver marked Oak Leaves obverse. . .

"925" Silver mark on above Knight's Cross. . .

Oak Leaves & Swords. . .

Cased. . .

From the reverse. . .

Another recent 1957 Steinhauer & L?ck from the obverse. . .

Here's an example of an "11" maker mark on a 1st Class cross. (Photo courtesy of George Stimson?) Notice the similarity to the 2nd Class cross?

Panzer57, The only "11" maker mark I have is on a 2nd Class cross, which is pictured below. As you can see this example, as well as the 1st Class examples, the fonts are quite different from the maker mark on the 1st Class cross shown above. The only maker marked Gro?mann's in 1st class I have seen are marked with their characteristically styled "11" below the clasp, so I thought this example may be a variant, insofar as it was marked on the pin. A closer inspection with my trusty 30x magnifier, and consulting with other more experienced collectors, confirmed this is, in fact, an "N" and not an "11", and, as aformentioned, "N" was a manufacturer of Imperial Iron Croses. I thought it quite interesting to see a "1939" issue cross with an Imperial pin, hinge, and clasp configuration.

And finally, a view of the swastika. . .