Richard Gordon

Ah, yes, there's the opening...

hmmm

Probably not the cleverest time to make a big purchase what with the cost of Christmas these days but heck, when you've had one of these on your 'wants' list like, forever, and a nice one like this pops up, how can one resist?

Nesredep Try changing the picture to a .jpg or .jpeg instead of .bmp maybe that will help? Rich

Fran?ois, Another nice grouping. I assume the transport spange within the JG can be explained because he was in the Stab?? Rich

Bill This is fascinating... in your final scan the cross now looks proportionate and correct!! Rich

Micha Perfect example you lucky dog!! Rich

Alex, Yes most definitely! Very nice clear photo!! Rich

Dave I don't have the photo, I saw it on the web and was intrigued by the RK so I just saved the pic. What you see here is the same as what i have. What's your view on it. Rich

Sorry, I've never owned or even held an ?bergrosse EKII so I can only give limited help. There are other members here who will be able to assit you further but from what I see I'm liking it and do not see anything that gives me concerns. Rich

Thanks, Gene and Nesredep!! I though the maker was unusual. Rich

I think there are enough features of a genuine GWL to be able to tell good from bad. The 'finger print' I would imagine is a by-product of the manufacturing process, not of the die and I would think formed from some process to mill the reverse smooth? If missing from some and not others then perhaps the process was skipped sometimes or maybe phased out. I only have one GWL (pilot) so since I have it I have not chased any others so can only relate my experience from this one piece and it does have the 'finger print' but very faint. I have to use a loupe to see it and then only at certain angles. With the naked eye I can't see it. It has all the features I would expect and exhibits the flaw to the maker-marked ring and the wreath frosted with polished high-lights and the eagle that unique green/caramel colour. I was just trying to find a pic of it but can't so I'll refer you to the pic of it in my website: http://rgordon4.tripod.com/decorations/id72.html Here's the marking. Rich

Here's the label. Is this an uncommon maker? Most I've seen are made by Siemens. Rich

It has a nice long cable and only a little damage about half way down.

Here for your appraisal, this summer flight cap which I found on Ebay for a fraction of market price. The metal buckles are a little rusted and there are a few small stains externally but not bad shape at all.

Nesredep That's a very nice M35 DD KM! Have you researched it in anyway? I'm not at all experienced with camo helmets but it does look believable to my untrained eye. Very interesting symbol to the front.. looks like a cloud with lightening strike?? Rich

While there were several producers susch as S&L, Juncker, Godet, etc as far as I know only Godet was the official producer. Rich

Here's an RK taken at various angles. No matter what, you don't get the thin amr effect on both axis. I'm reversing my original judgement and now would say it's definitely not a Juncker.

Ian I can't see any pics. Rich

David I have never examined this type of DKiG case before so can add little to your quest except that I like what I see and would definitely entertain strong possiblilites that it's original. Rich

Yes it does look like a rounder yet we know that it's been proven that it can't be!! I personally do not believe it is an altered photo. You can see that the cross is situated slightly behind the zip of the jacket and it is angled naturally to it's position. I think if it was just pasted on this wouldn't be the case. So what the heck is it...?

Kev If you don't think it is a 'K' then I'd suggest comparing the core and frame with the 'K' examples posted before fully discounting it being 'K'. Rich

I wouldn't mind finding that in my wardrobe!! Interesting... what actual colour is it? Rich

Repadilla I have put together a reference site for collectors covering Luftwaffe awards and the Iron Cross 1939. If you go to the Knight's cross section you can see examples of originals from different makers. http://rgordon4.tripod.com/decorations/id103.html You just need to click on which maker you are interested in to see an example. Regards Rich

Otis Thanks for the pics. They're not are clear and as close as I would like but from what I can see I do not believe the decal to be original. Looking at the interior I also do not believe it to be original. As I mentioned I am not specialised at anyway in FJ helmets so I would definitely seek the help of an experienced FJ helmet collector. I do have a good idea how a ET decal should look and the decal on your helmet is not a ET decal. There was only one manufacturer (ET) and only one style of decal is noted (for this style) so already it does not look good. I'm not seeing the white reaction found between the liner pads and the band. I also feel the leather is not correct in the straps and the liner. Here's my example. I hope you can see what I mean. Rich