DavidM

Hello Bill My only other thought is possibly a Deumer. Their 1939 EK1s also have similar pin, hinge and clasp to the WW1 EK that you posted here. Outside of this, in my opinion, the only other contenders would be Klien & Quenzer, Carl Wild, (although the clasp on their pieces that I have seen is quite distinct and different to that on yours), and Junkers. Hopefuly some of the other forum members will chip in, as I dare say that someone has 1939 EK1 who's hardware on the reverse matches yours.

Hello Bill Yes I see what you are saying. However, on page 139 of Gordon Williamsons book, 'The Iron Cross of 193' there is a photo of an S&L 1939 EK1 which has a different pin and hinge to the one you have shown here - but it does look pretty similar to the WW2 re-struck WW1 one that you originally posted. The one in Gordons book has the large 'block' type hinge, as does your WW1 EK, with the pin attached across the top of the hinge and a long narrow end to the pin - again pretty similar to the one on your WW1 EK. I'm not saying I'm right that your's is by S&L, but I still think it's a possibilty. I sincerely hope that Gordon doesn't mind, but I have attached a scan of the one from his book to this note to illustrate what I have said.

Hello Bill I can't say for absolute certainty, but my guess as to the manufacturer would be Steinhauer und Luck. I base this on the style of the pin and hinge.

Hello Very nice crosses. I can see why you like them. The contrast between the golden colour of the brass on the swastika and the black of the paint is really nice.

Hello A very nice collection - and a privillege to see a full line up of EK2s spanning the whole EK period. Thanks for showing them.

Rear of EK2

Hello Can anyone identify the maker of this EK2, assuming of course that it is a genuine item in the first place ! Oh, sorry for the quality of the scans, but this is the best my ageing scanner will do. Many thanks in advance.

Hello A superb collection of wide frame EKs. Congratulations to all of you. I have to say I am somewhat jealous as I keep trying to get one of these and always seem to be just to late !!

Hello The cross looks fine to me. Weight wise there can be quite some difference the different WW1 EK's.

Hello That's a very nice start to your EK collection. Looks like a nice original cross. I've tried the education thing, historical and social research routes with my wife. She wasn't impressed. So now it's 'I like, I want it and I'm having it !'. Welcome to the world of EK collecting. Once you have started down this path there is no turning back ! By the way, I read in Vern Bowens book, 'The Prussian and German Iron Cross' that there are around 200 different variants of the EK2 from WW1 alone. One down, only 199 more to go.

Hello A very nice set. So the case is little worn. After perhaps 90 years or so it this can be expected. Nice case and very nice cross.

Hello Nice set of EKs and a nice RK. I'm sorry, but as the comments you have already had state, once you start on these there is no known cure - except to get more ! And more !

Hello Gordon Thanks for that.

Outer view of the case from front and top

Rear of case showing double hinges

Close up of the D&B marking in the oval. Photo adjusted to highlight the markings.

Part of the interior base showing the underside. Markings are 2599 and D&B in an oval.

Interior showing button, catch and spring

Interior with part of the base removed

Button and catch

Hello It has been mentioned to me that there are some good quality fakes of the Blockade Breakers case going around. I would therefore be grateful for any opinions as to the originality, or otherwise, of this Blockade Breakers case. The pictures aren't the worlds best, but hopefully they show enough detail. All comments and opinions welcomed. Many thanks.

Gentlemen, Thank you for your kind comments. Grant, regrettably no, the 57 DKs don't have the 'coke bottle' style pins. I'm on the look out for any like that as I have been told these are the very first ones produced - often using left over wartime parts and with a quality to rival the war time items.

Imperial Items

57 Items

Hello Although I only have a small collection at present I would like to share it with you. Neither the biggest nor the best of collections, but I'm happy with it and hope to keep it growing. I hope there is something in it that you like as well. The pictures are of my Third Reich items, my 1957 items and finally my Imperial items. Third Reich Items top row from the left: Cased blockade runners award and minature. Cased EK1, unmarked but attributable to Rudolph Souval. Cased war merit cross 1sr class without swords, marked 50. Cased bar to the EK1. Retains all frosted finish and burnished highlights. Unmarked but is text book B H Mayer. Centre row from the left: Bar to the EK2 in LDO box. Unmarked. 'Prinzen' size bar to the EK1. Unmarked but retains all of its frosted finish. Bar to the EK1. Marked L/11. Cloth version of the DKiG on Luftwaffe backing cloth. Original paper backing still in place. DKiG, marked 20. EK1 marked 26. Bottom row from left: War merit cross 1st class with swords. Unmarked. War merit cross 2nd class with swords. Unmarked. Ek2 marked 113. EK2 unmarked. EK2 marked 13. Retains frosting to the beading. EK2 unmarked but attributable to maker 100. 1957 Re-issue items. Top row from left: Cased RK with oaks. Late issue type, poor finish and paint on core. Cased RK. Early type. Marked 800 on rim under the eye on reverse. Has the beading flaws. Suspension loop also marked 800. Cased DKiS. Early type. Bottom row from left: Blockade runners award. Destroyer war badge. DKiG, early / mid production type. Imperial items. Top row from left: Cased EK2. Cross is marked with what looks like MAL on the ring. EK2 marked KO. EK2 marked C. Cross of honour marked HKM. Bottom row from left: Stick pin minature of EK1, EK2 and cross of honour. EK1 marked KO. EK1, unmarked except for 800 on the pin. Cut out style silver wound badge, unmarked. Black wound badge, unmarked.