Motorhead

There are no examples with a real maker mark known so far-only with a silver content stamping.I've got a screwback "Fincke Berlin" stamped,but this was for sure a retailer and not the maker(similar to Sedlatzeck).the 2nd one shown exists also with a magnetic core,the first one only as a single piece non magnetic... Micha

I remember him-he had offered a few very interesting things before.....and the auctions where stopped before they where ending.That gives his new auctions a bad taste... Micha

No problem-have a look!The right one is a pinback,but both have the same special reverse. Micha

Typical "AWS"reverse-but the core is a little bit different.my thought-same maker,but the ones shown here have got a"sheetmetal "core.have a closer look at the first ones reverse-it has got a pin......not often seen at imperial EKs! Micha

Have you had a closer look at the reverse? Micha

Richard,we need to talk Seriously,when I remember the WAF rarity stats I always had the feeling that a few things have to be requested. First we should separate the known ring stampings from the paper bags! Maybe we could list the makers with the rings? For example-I've never seen an "86" stamp in a ribbon ring-all as "86" introduced ones have tourned out as "98" Souvals.On the other hand a few things are missing(for example the 136 micro stamp). Micha

And the last one-good and bad side by side...............

And this is how it shouldn't be........

Here's the centre of the reverse like it should be.....

W

1813

1870

Crown reverse

Some details....crown obverse

Reverse

For comparison a good 2nd class same core design Obverse

Reverse

Here are some pics from my last waisted money.....I know they are big but that's the only way to see the differences clearly. It's obviously that the fakers have used an original Godet core(or mybe the core design that is found at Godet 1st classes) to make their fakes! Micha

Another victim...... -Rule Nr1 is reading-build up your own photo archive! If you know how the good ones are looking you are half on the winners side. rule Nr2-if you buy at the internet:good,clear pics or no deal! Rule Nr3-the better cross is the better buy-unmarked or heavily damaged pieces are hard to sell if you need the money!There are just a handful EKs that you can buy in nearly every condition-but not to every price! I overplayed sometimes just to close another hole in my collection....don't do that too often,that money is lost(never say never,but.....). There are non-magnetic 1939 EKs ! First class is easy,but 2nd class you have do know how they are looking! And a rattle core is nothing wrong.....From now you can't sleep any more and your finances will be ruined for the rest of your days! And there is no therapy! Micha

I'm not so shure with the backing anymore.....this EK looks like one of the really dangerous ones.Wasted money........ Micha

Well..........bad news! The bar isn't what it should be.Rule Nr.1-make your homework and never decide in a hurry! The first red flag should have been the seller Cetra2003.This is one of the accounts of our well known "Raritaetensammlerclub". I knew that and had it simply forgotten.This XXXXard is always buying medal bars that you can find later at Cetra2003! To the EK-It really looks like this people have taken an original Godet core to make their cast copies.The obverse is pretty good in this case,but the reverse shows some loss in the quality.Especially the crown and the surface of the oakleafes shows their problem with the cast! And another thing-if you are making a copy like this(in the same way,of course) you loose size! The core details are a bit smaller than at the original. Later today when the light is better I will take some good pics of that cross. Micha

This cross was also discussed in a German forum(SDA).It looks like it's simply a fake,nothing else! I can't tell you how an 1895 piece should look like but this one could easy made in 1995.....It will find it's place in my fake collection to remember me to do my homework properly! Micha

Funny-I've got a "positive" COA from DN for my EK(the cheap one without pic-it came with the cross when I've bought it). But this is not unexpected-from the beginning I've never liked it and so it will be put back in the locker where the sun never shines Micha

Reverse

I'm at home today and so I decided to use my time with having a closer look in some lockers filled with things I had forgotten.....This is one of the victims-I remember I've posted it ages ago,but since I've decided to hunt the 1870 species this one is a bit suspect to me.When I bought it it came with a nc ribbon which was for sure not for an iron cross(different size).As far as I know we have only two different cores for the awarded pieces-Godet and Wagner.The Godet is easy to spot because of it's unique number design.But a Wagner should have also different numbers.This EK here has a very detailed core on both sides which is clearly different to the known copies. So-am I totally wrong and this is a Wagner or do we have more than 2 cores for the awarding time?Or is it a "Centarpiece" at the end? I've handled hundreds of '14 EKs but never spend much interest in the '70 pieces......and this is backfiring now!The next year will be the "1870" hunting season! Micha