buellmeister

Chris, Nice Find! When I was over in your beloved country I guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time to find anything! Mostly limited though the Stuttgart area with family... Regards, Joel

It is definately a sorry state of affairs when you see the Eastern Front Medals being reproduced. Next, the West Wall Medal then... Tinnies????? Joel

Looks like you guys get the real goodies up North! Joel

Mein Gott Rob! They don't get much nicer than that one buddy! Well Done! Now, where was the show??? Cheers, Joel

Eric, That piece is the quintessential reason behind the hunt for the Imperial's for me. You'll never know what kind of variant you'll stumble upon. Well Done! Regards, Joel

Interesting finds my friend! Regards, Joel

Steve, Here's a site that will help. That is, if you haven't already ventured over to it. http://www.kaisersbunker.com/stuff/1914_EK2_makers.htm Regards, Joel

I echo Joe's post! That is a unique and rare find! Well done! Regards, Joel

Rob, You acquired another interesting and I would say, rarer variant! Very Nice! Regards, Joel

nesredep, Congratlations on a nice pickup! Regards, Joel

Very interesting picture. Thanks for posting it! Regards, Joel

Danny, I seriously can't say it enough.... Very nice additions my friend! Regards, Joel

Not giving me the warm and fuzzies either... I'd pass. Regards, Joel

Gents, After carefully and I caution very careful inspection there appears to be an "L/11" stamped on the reverse of the Spange. I have inspected the piece once more and it passes the smell test (though not a conclusive test I may add) and the Spange definately has been attached to the ribbon for a very long time. I have purchased this piece from a reliable source and I just want to know that all is well with authenticity. I have noticed the second "9" is a little different that the first. However, I have noticed that it seems to be common for period made Spanges from the firm of J.E. Hammer and possibly others as witnessed with the maker mark. All in the know please put my mind at ease. Lastly, The blue thread on the reverse is a re-enforcement to the black thread which is very brittle and is still holding the ribbon together. Regards, Joel

Gentlemen, Interesting and certainly unique circumstances were definately present for these soldier's to have earned their hardware. Regards, Joel

I'm with Paul on this one as well. Your collection is what all EK collectors aspire for! In awe, Joel

I agree! Regards, Joel

Definately will heed your advice. Thank you Joe! Regards, Joel

Greg, If you handled this piece you'd see that there isn't any question that the Spange has been attached to this Cross for a very long time. My Camera is fading fast and the lighting is terrible as well on my desk... I guess I'll have to hold off on a couple of purchases and get a new camera..

Guys, last picture I promise....

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Here are some close-ups of the Spange

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Paul, No problem. What you are probably used to seeing is the spange boxed with the ribbon before it is attached to the EK. It is pushed through the suspension ring on one side then sewn together on the back. Other than the additional blue thread re-enforcing the back of the ribbon, the prongs are slightly bent due to my curiousity if it is maker marked or not. The answer is, it isn't. Most weren't as I'm told. Thank you for any additional information anyone can provide me. Regards, Joel