Richard Gordon

I think it would be reasonable to assume that in these sets the RK is unmarked given the early date as I would assume that period preceeded the creation of LDO and PKA numbering. I think I read somewhere (but unconfirmed) that Pieter Verbruggen owns one of these sets?

Andy, You can find 2 styles of marking for L/54. Rich

Since the Godet DKiG, there hasn't been much added to my collection but I did get this nice Deumer and a couple of other EK2's that have not arrived yet. So, while I'm waiting for those to come in, might as well share this one... Rich

Danny Congratulations on the new piece. One of the harder ones to find (stippled core) and very nice condition too! Rich

Zimmermann's can also be found with this style of loop making it slighly confusing. Would that not suggest that Godet was supplying the parts? While it's clear the two used the same parts, has it been documented anywhere who was the supplier? I go with Zimmerman but am interested to know if it has been fully proven. I often wonder why so few Zimmermann/Godet RK exist.

David, we all have bad days. One thing I don't recall is about the Oaks...which manufacturer? Juncker? S&L?? Godet??? Other????

David I believe these pictures have been discussed before. If I recall correctly, the RK's were deemed to be Juncker's (with slighly more finished inner corners - a common trait in Juncker RK's because of poor fit) and the Grand Cross dipping ring is a feature of the Grand Cross only. Rich

Stan You certainly don't see many of these! It's one of those pieces that has been much neglected in references and never really covered in much detail. I think there has been much misinformation about these with some saying they are fakes (or perhaps they refered to copies of these? ). Yours looks to be a wonderful example. Thanks for sharing! Rich

Chris Well it took a bit of searching but I found the thread: http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/sho...light=fake+case Incredible... not only did he try to pass one fake case but to try with the second is simply outrageous! Seems Dave Kane lives by double standards... in one life he's shouting for fakers and conmen to be named,shamed and beheaded, in this other life he's one of them! I can see now why he was banned from this forum. Certainly not the type you'd want as a role model nor member. Do you know if he was suspended for this on WAF? Rich

Whoa! Back up the truck... you're telling me that Dave Kane, the most holy-of-holy, one of the few with 'backbone' to call a spade a spade actually got caught selling fake RK cases as real?? Would you happen to have a link to that handy so we could see that? My world has been shattered... I mean Dave Kane is WAF's most premiere authority on all things RK, I mean that's the impression I get...members look up to him like he speaks gospel when ever he writes about RK's. How can he still be a member, and a lifetime member at that if he's been caught with the perverbial pants-around-the-ankles?? What happened to the victim? Just to confirm, is that why Dave Kane was expelled from here? For trying to pass of fakes as genuine?

Chris, are you saying Dave Kane sells fake cases as original??

As almost every by now knows, several of these were SEM tested and the result declared that the paint was of a type that didn't exist in 1945.

Out of curiosity, can you post a clear front/rear shot, square-on please of this RK preferably under natural light? Rich

Looks like a repro to me. It's lacking the quality of an original delux version. Looks like these are now being targetted? http://cgi.ebay.com/Gallipoli-Star-for-Ger...1QQcmdZViewItem

For what's it worth, I used to have a tombac KvK1 marked L/11 that had the same pin as these 'Grossmann' EK1's. I too now believe they are early Deumers. Rich

I never liked them either and have never added one to my collection. The very mention of the name Souval sends a shudder down my spine. How would you ever know if one was pre-may 1945 unless it had iron-tight history direct from the recipient?? Another turn-off is the number of different cores and pin hard-ware. Just too many variations for my liking.

Don't we all!? Rich

That is just...sick! What you need is more shelves!

Stephen Those are beautiful and really nice to see. There doesn't seem to be too many modellers focusing on these pioneering aircraft. They look like a real labour of love. Rich

Robert That's a very nice example! Rich

Beautiful caps, Bob. Thanks for sharing! Rich

Danny Could you email me a square-on front and back of your 11 - Grossmann & Co. as I think I have an unmarked one and would like to compare. Cheers Rich

Danny I would say you are correct to assume it's 98 just from the frame alone. It a really nice one too and I love that patina. Out of interest what makers do you have (which are marked)? Rich

I checked it for markings but couldn't find any LOL Thanks for the comments, guys. Looks like Dave's laziness was my good fortune! It's a very exciting piece for me... you know how it is. I keep taking it out and drooling on it. Rich

The finish to the wreath is superb... I used to think my Klein rocked but the Godet is in a different league!