gregM

Happy to help.

It's an "S" which is still an unknown maker.

I was at a military show just this morning and saw one one a vendor's table. He was not happy when I commented that they were made by a toy company in New York.

I know one of our more well regarded dealers has had one of these posted on ebay for a long time with a buy it now price of $100.

I've got 3 or 4 of these. One in the package. You can see it still has it's "Valuable coupon" which reads--- "Return 4 of these with $1.00 and you will receive a beautiful, gold stamped album."

Interesting---I always thought these were pure fantasy.

Fake crosses with original rings

Very Nice Trevor, I have several RAO minis but none with swords.

Very nice.

In my experience, this is the most common marks. They can also be found with CD 800 stamped all in one line. See here------ http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262735

Mine is identical to the one you posted except that about 2/3 of the paper tag on mine is missing.

My example---

Nicely done Chris.

Nice cross Chris.

I rarely buy a cross without looking at the back, unless it comes at a really good price.

Godet

I am wondering what I'm looking at in the blue boxes. Is this just scratches in the photo? Or could it be some detail actually on the cross. It almost looks like writing of some sort but that's impossible to know.

I don't know what to say about the mini RAO. It is not the best quality one I have seen but not the worst either. Is the upper arm bent or is it just the photo? That Mecklenburg cross has got to be a rare little piece.

As always, You find some very nice pieces.

Now that's a stache to be proud of.

Don is correct. Nice Godet

I was going to buy 1 but I have no money right now. I think Kay was going to try to get one.

Please check out this ebay auction------ http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/German1914-Iron-Cross-2nd-class-/181292163493?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item2a35dae1a5 Looking at these crosses, they all appear to have the same very skiiny "W" and all seem to have the same forced looking patina and the same amount of frame wear. Without seeing a good picture or holding one in hand, it's impossible to say for sure but the look of these crosses plus the fact that this dealer is known for selling a lot of fake crap gives me reason to really doubt these crosses. I welcome more opinions.

Necessity is the mother of invention. I like it.