DavidM

Hello A truly super piece. Congratluations a beautiful addition to your collection.

Hello Thanks to all for their replies. Yes, other makers crosses, known to have been manufactured during WW2 have been noted using the 'Souval' frame. With this one, as EKHunter correctly points out, the dipping 3 in the date is taken as one of the identifiers of a Souval produced piece.

Hello Thanks Micha

Hello Micha Looking at the frame etc on this one, I believe this is a Godet produced piece. I wondered about the spike myself, but I have absolutely no doubt as to it's originality. It actually looks far better in the hand than it looks in these photos. Besides strange and unusual are what make this hobby so interesting, and keep us coming back for more !

Hello Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

EK in cross

Case

Hello I have just received this screwback EK1 in an LDO 'halbetui' case. The cross is unmarked, but in my opinion is from the manufacturer Rudolph Souval , Wien. The cross measures 44.33mm x 44.31mm and has a magnetic iron core. As usual, any comments and observations welcomed.

Hello Just to complete the story on this piece, I have returned the badge to the dealer, and as expected, without any problems at all. At least there are still some genuinely reputable and honest dealers out there who honour their guarentees and return policies.

Hello Both Fritz Zimmerman, Silberburgstrasse 58a, Stuttgart and C F Zimmermann , Pforzheim are listed as known manufacturers of the EK2. How rare or common they are I don't know - but they do exist, so happy hunting. Oh, and post some pictures of them if you do get one.

Hello I can sympathise with those nagging doubts. So, after much carefull consideration I've decided to help you out. Simply post that EK to me and you won't have to worry over it ever again !! Seriously Dan, as you've been told already, it's a good one - and a nice one as well

Hello Micha By 'Deutscher Offiziersverein' are you referring to the official award pieces? If so, I had aways thought the 'KO' marked items were the official award pieces, and these have - or at least mine do - different cores. Or does 'Deutscher Offiziersverein' refer to something else? Please advise. Thanks.

EK1 Marked '800' on pin

Hello I'm not 100% certain, (my old eyes are getting tired and I haven't got my glasses with me), but I think that these two of mine have the same core. One is marked '800' on the pin, the other, sadly missing it's large retaining plate, is unmarked but the screw portion is stamped '800'. Both marks look like normal '800' stamps to me. Both crosses are vaulted, or convexed types. Edit Note: I've just been and found my glasses, and yes, the cores etc on mine are a match for the two above.

Hello Absolutely correct. A really nice example of the 1870 EK. Congratulations. Marshall, is that EK1 yours ? If it is you have a super piece.

Thanks Don

Hello John Many thanks for that. I've just spoken to the dealer who has told me to send it straight back to him. No problem at all. Fortunately he has a really good reputation to look after, and having dealt with him on and off for some years I know he is one of the few honourable dealers out there. I think I'll stick to my iron crosses, at least I do know what I'm looking at with them !! By the way, it's David not Mark.

Hello John Thanks for that. With the dealer I bought it from at the show there is no problem at all in returning it. I'm extremely surprised that this particular dealer got caught out with a fake - that said though, we all do from time to time !!

Hello Thanks Gerd. I too liked the detail on it. It's one of the things that attracted me to it.

Hello I have just got back from the Stockport Militaria Fair, from where I bought this super, (well I think so), EK1. It has a small screwback with oval backing / retaining plate. The iron core moves slightly within the frame, and the cross itself appears to have a high silver content. Although it doesn't show to well in these photos, the core has a superb gloss or enamelled look to it, which looks really nice. There are no makers or other marks on it. As always, any comments or observations welcome. Thank you.

Hello I have just got back from the Stockport Militaria fair, from where I have bought my first Luftwaffe Wireless Operators badge. It looks to me like it is made from tombak. The detail and finish to it are excellent. It is maker marked 'BSW' in a clover leaf on the reverse. The top right arm of the swastika has been fretted out. Would anyone know if this is an early, mid or late war version ? As always, any comments or observations welcomed. Thank you

Hello When I have had occasion to clean one these WW1 EKs I use a silver dip. The one I get here in the UK is called Goddards Silver Dip. This not only cleans the cross but generally seems to remove bits like this from the core. However, test a little bit out first and make sure that it is not doing any damage. At the end of day, if in doubt leave it as it is. Oh, and don't use any polishes or anything abrasive - although I suppose that goes without saying. Anyway, just my thoughts on the topic.

Hello A nice piece. I've never seen that maker mark before, nor the DRGM stamping on the ribbon. All looks good to me. A really nice set.

Hello A very nice pillowback cross, and of the type that I hope to add to my collection someday. Congratulations

Hello Beautiful, absolutely beautiful !! Great badges, super provenance - just great