gregM

The 1870 cross posted by Alex in post #8 is a complete fake. It is sometimes called the pot hole fake or the Deschler fake as you can find many many examples of this style all over ebay with the Deschler mark on it as well as D&S, Muchen 9 and others.

The "slant W" was the nickname given to this particular style of core because of the very noticeable slant to center of the "W".

Hi Tony, Unfortunately both of your crosses are very generic. The first class uses the the "slant W" core which was used by several different makers and the frame does not have any of the more unique hardware ( pins, hinges catches ) that we associate with certain makers. The same holds true of the second class. A generic core used by many different makers. The only really unique feature of the entire set is the 925 stamp on the ring. That is something not often seen. Congrates.

Nicely Done!!

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.