ZIMMERMANN's Spanish crosses

[Jacques]

Zimmermann of Pforzheim manufactured spanish crosses during the war. This firm made them after the institution of the LDO (1941). The crosses are maker's marked : L/52 in a square, L/52 in a square + silver stamp "900". I own a cross stamped L52, and I can't explain this mistake, except done by a drunk worker.

the cross are in tombac then silvered, gilded or bronzed. the "900" stamped one are of course in massive silver.

It shows typical details on the obverse and reverse.

Eagles: well detailed with 3 cut out branches swas. the eagle head is characteristic and looks like a pigeon.

Swords: the grips are wide and show 9 filaments(twists)

Pin: typical to this maker. wide and flat in the middle, rounded at the end.

Hinge & Hook: half round hook and small cylinder hinge soldered on a wide base

Here is a gold cross, in mint condition (Especially for SAL )

H: 55.3mm L: 55.4mm W:29.1g

[Jacques]

Here is a bronze cross with swords in very worn condition.

[Jacques]

Finally a bronze cross without swords with the mark: L52.

It retains the same details but the which is in the wrong way.

[Jacques]

Unfortunatly I don't own a silver one, so don't hesitate to post your one

jacques

[Sal Williams]

Jacques,

How is the backwards slash possible? Are the "l" / and number stamped seperatly?

Best, Sal

Thanks for the pics of the gold one! but the color varies in the pics, more photos please!!!

[Jacques]

Jacques,

How is the backwards slash possible? Are the "l" / and number stamped seperatly?

Best, Sal

Thanks for the pics of the gold one! but the color varies in the pics, more photos please!!!  

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I can't explain the ""

the following pics are just for you

[Jacques]

reverse

I know another one in the same condition marked CEJ 900, but not to sell

[Guest Rick Research]

Could it be the "L52" mark was used only to distinguish a "no swords" cross from one with swords?

Are all their crosses with no swords marked that way, or is yours the ONLY example with a backwards mark?

Does anybody else have one with the strange mark?

[Jacques]

I saw this one in a german collection , that do not show the same details as the other one except the MM. the cross is good in my opinion, just another die used by this manufacturer. eagles, pin , hinge are differents.

[Sal Williams]

Thanks Jacques,

That is the best looking gold SC I have ever seen!!!

[Jacques]

Thanks Jacques,

That is the best looking gold SC I have ever seen!!!        

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Me too , and I'm still looking for a silver one in the very same mint condition in case

[Jacques]

Is you SAL who the Detlev's update Spanish cross in gold ? If so, snd me detailed pics

It's the L/52 900 massive silver cross.

[Sal Williams]

Not me Jacques! I never get the Detlev stuff fast enough!

Best, Sal