Eric Stahlhut

yep, same core. the 'online source now unknown' cross is mine--from an old thread on this particular version--another unique feature of these reinforced crosses is the indentation or 'dimple' with centering mark in the middle of the back planchet. almost as if they realized they were out of a screwback component, such as lengths of threaded screwpost, so they whipped up this style as a sturdier than normal alternative. one of my first crosses! p.s. i still have some of those catalogues from the early 80s. not only were the descriptions rudimentary at best, it would take an eternity to complete the transaction. no internet in those days!! i'll post an image of exactly what alex is talking about regarding the written descriptions, i remember reading each vague description and trying to figure out which was the best one to send off for, lol

it's definitely the same maker--thanks to your pictures, it's easy to establish that the core matches the other three examples shown on chris' thread... anything on the underside of the pin? it appears to be hand made instead of mass produced now we've got four differently marked hand made ek1s from one workshop. pretty cool! the superior quality of the engraving on your example is merely icing on the cake; it's very well done by someone with lot of experience. "Vatt und Mutt" is a new one to me...has anyone read/heard of that being used instead of "Vatti und Mutti"? Perhaps they worded it that way as that's how you'd refer to yourselves to a heroic and earnest young man instead of a child. i dunno, or maybe it's a regional dialect

these are excellent, quality-made crosses, and now you need the double screwback version to keep it company! and then all the different hallmark variants, lol! on this particular cross the screwpost has been replaced at some point. very nice to see it still has the retaining disc intact, as many crosses i've encountered often have this element missing, for some odd reason

here you go, glenn--a link to an old post ?

awesome cross, please post detailed images once it's in your hands! not sure if it is same maker, though. the crown on core does not appear to match, and the 800 mark on left cross arm is placed vertically instead of horizontally and does not have an additional proof mark. that have been said, it would be super cool if it indeed turns out to be a third variant (or has features indicating a third employee putting the cross together) i think these sentimental engravings from loved ones to the cross holder are just great--i have a CD-style cross with a similar such endearment engraved on it

headgear, moustache, medals, all equally impressive!

it is from schleswig-holstein: abzeichen des stahlhelm, bund der frontsoldaten, bad bramstedt.

here's a unique example that i had to have, as i'm pretty sure that once upon a time, a long time ago, a certain Rick L. posted a thread with a studio portrait of an old fighter who was wearing this. i've looked for that thread for years, but have yet to find it. hopefully it is still lurking somewhere in the internet ether. i do know that if dear rick could see this post, he certainly would be hopping up and down (emotically) it has extensive enamel damage, and unfortunately i think a piece has come off of the left wing in the years since i obtained it. can anyone determine what the swords could have come off of?? any

actually, there could be a good chance of finding out, since he was a teacher. if you are so inclined you could contact the muzeum w Rybniku https://www.muzeum.rybnik.pl

I wonder what Erich Salzbrunn did during the great war...many of those civilians (former soldiers) helped secure weapons from depots and distribute ammunition. perhaps that has something to do with his award level

here's a lightweight hollow-stamped variant, ostensibly set up for wear on a medal bar. note the very fine detailing of the feathers, the blued finish, and the blackened crescent/banner

my pet theory on these 830S marked variants is that they came from the area of northern germany (schleswig holstein area) as this "S" after the numerical content was utilized extensively throughout scandinavia. the border with denmark was fairly porous and it's easy for me to envision a kiel jeweler who had commercial interests and customers on both sides. the population shifted back and forth and the actual boundary was fairly static, so customs were somewhat interchangeable. perhaps this could be the same sort of hallmarking stipulation that one sometimes encounters with medals and badges imported/exported between austria and germany.

congrats for holding onto it--it's a good one. quite rare and desirable! there are also 1914 ek1s with this same type of silver content hallmark

that's very helpful! here's a bit more info, from last year https://fsu.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fsu%3A709744

I guess what I'm really getting at is the current trend towards attacking other members is extremely ungentlemanly--especially when not really warranted. treat others the way you would like to be treated. rich, you have done the same thing by posting many wonderful items that you were very fortunate to acquire in unconventional ways and i applaud you for that. it would be remiss to point out that after you got opinions on items, you proceeded to sell many of them. and then there are self-anointed "expert" members that never post/share their own items but have strong opinions on lots of things that others post, and seem prone to getting into conflicts it's all good, my rant is over, happy caturday! p.s. rich, charles has certainly benefitted from john's post--we certainly all can most definitely agree that the ribbon bar with the devices is spectacular! best, ~e ...and the only way that i can post anything on this subject without feeling hypocritical is because of the fact that i haven't sold anything in 20 years...with me, it's the hunting and gathering aspect of collecting that is enjoyable

Looks like a huge apology is in order, John. This is not the first time this has happened in the last few months. Apparently it takes one bag egg to get everyone all stirred up. If I were you I would file a complaint with Nick.

hiya, don thanks very much for the confirmation---just wanted to make extra sure, as the ribbon bits will probably end up costing more than the medals, lol thanks again!

make sure she shows you how to do it, as something tells me that this won't be the last time that someone requests an enlarged view of medals/badges, as you have a knack for acquiring and posting some very interesting photos!

i don't know much about the details of this organization, but from the looks of the badge and what's written on it, i'm pretty sure they were somewhat of an "official issue"-- i'm sure more will be elaborated by our resident austro-hungarian experts. i was very excited to see your latest picture so i took a quick picture of the badge in question so that you can get a better view of it--it's a large badge thank you for sharing this wonderful picture! p.s. can you enlarge and post an image of his left breast in order to make it easier to identify the rest of the medals?

the photograph is fantastic---here is the badge on his right breast--it's an imperial austrian veteran's badge-- this badge has been described as a cap badge but this foto begs to differ; most excellent! the rest of the medals on his left breast are also austrian. experts will identify them, hopefully

hi again,uwe! i've been meaning to write more--have you noticed that your photo depicts an "upgraded" 1st class to komturkreuz, while my example used in this thread happens to be an "upgraded" 2nd class to 1st class (swords) it's a curious coincidence--perhaps everyone got an upgrade at some point but unfortunately due to unforseen circumstances, the organization ceased to function?

there appears to be a state equivalent ribbon under the ek2 ribbon. the cross in question appears to be dark in finish and looks like it has a crown on the upper arm. below that there seems to be a defect on picture--could be glare from a flash on paint or enamel-- since there appears to be a wreath between the arms of the cross, it could even be an oldenburg fa1

hi, i know pretty much nothing about intrinsic details concerning ww2 iron cross makers--- was klein the parent company to a later merger with quenzer? is there a documented history of the two businesses/families etc etc?

chuck, if you are patient i believe you can still get a nice knauer example at a good price. in my opinion, for some reason these oldenburg ek equivalents don't seem to generate as much interest as other state equivalents, and there are a fair amount that pop up (up to 12,000 were awarded)