gregM

Gerd is a trouble maker. he got me hooked on the minis as well. Its like an evil spell.

first he shows you how pretty they are and then he offers some up for sale.

I love the minis

This is a closeup of the backplate. It is silver stamped 800

Here are the parts

[attachmentid=24058]

Here is another example of a rayback or clamshell cross. This one has the heavier cast (I think)

backing plate. The cross is unmarked.

[attachmentid=24057]

That is a nice looking cross!

Very nice cross. I am still looking to add my first KMST to my collection.

Well done.

Greg

32 bids at $540 and still more time to go.

I stand corrected

It is unusual to see a 1914 and a 1939 in the same post with the same outer frame. COOL !

I am going to go say that in my opinion this is modern reproduction. Here is a picture of a supposed

"schinkelform" TR ek.

To me the frame looks identical especially the outside corners of the 6 oclock arm. The rayback looks the same as does the back of the cross itself.

[attachmentid=23467]

I "borrowed" this photo off another forum. If anybody complains, please feel free to delete it.

Greg

Thanks for your help!

It never occured to me it might be a TR piece. The quality is much better

then I would have expected in a TR era cross.

Thanks,

Greg

My guess is that the cross was ripped off a tunic either on purpose or more than likely

it got snagged on something.

Here is a picture of the scabbard of the one from the 1920s.

[attachmentid=23248]

Here is a picture of the Ivory handled sword. The design is faded but after 120 years it is still

able to be seen. This sword has servived 2 fires. The Mason lodge it was in burned to the ground and

some years later my apartment building burned down. It makes me kind of nervous keeping it in my house.

[attachmentid=23246]

Here is the back side. If you look at the oak leafs, The oaks on the wide frame cross have a span

of 21mm. The span on the other cross is 18mm. Also in the first photo the "W" is also wider.

[attachmentid=23242]

Hi Guys,

Here is a 1870 EK2 that I would like to post for your opinions.

As you can see it looks bigger than the 1870 with oaks next to it. The over all dimensions

are the same. 43mm x 43mm. However the flared outer arms are different. 26mm compared

to 24mm.

[attachmentid=23238]

The 3 that I have are all made as lodge swords and are heavily decorated with masonic symbols.

The oldest one having an ivory handle with a cross going through the center of a triangle. The 2 other

swords being from the 1910s -1920s have a cross going through a crown. Of coarse all have lots of other

symbols on them but the cross/triangle (masons square?) and the cross/crown seam to be the main theme.

I have 3 old lodge swords. I picked the up many years ago. One I have had for for over 30 years.

Last night I was doing a little research on them and discovered that one dates back to before 1882.

I was surprised. I would have guessed maybe the 1930s.

I know they are not valuable as you can find them on ebay for around $100 but I still find them interesting.

Greg

My very first collector blade was a 3rd pattern FS knife. I bought it when I was 16--33 years ago.

I still have it. IMO the FS knife is the most "PURE" designed fighting knife ever made.

Iron cross collectors talk about the simple elegant design of the the EK as one of the reasons of it being so

popular. I think the FS falls into that same catagory.

Anyone here collect Masonic swords?

He was obviously very proud that he had earned his EK.

Is it just me or is this the ugliest 1870 date you have ever seen.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Eisernes-Kreuz-1-kl-18...1QQcmdZViewItem

and speaking of fakes--how about this maidens cross?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...y0%3D%26fvi%3D1

Hi Joel,

I can't help with any specific exampls right now but I remember a discussion on the other

forum about some manufactures using cores or frames from different makers. My memory

isn't so clear but I think this came up over a "Fr" marked cross. You might consider comparing your

"KO" to a "Fr".

hi Joel,

Welcome to the forum.

That is a nice looking cross. I like the heavy patina. makes it really look like it is 90+ years old.

The ED makers mark has been seen before but we still don't know the name of the manufacturer.

Greg

Hi Bill,

That is an unusual cross. I like it. I have seen that style of pin before on a iron core

cross. I looked through my files thinking I had saved a picture of it but sadly I did not.

and some lodge swords just because they are fun

[attachmentid=22040]