EK 1939 "N" Iron Cross, 1st Class, 1939

[Bill Garvy]

Here's an unusual cross from my collection. Turns out to be an "N" maker marked (on the pin as you will soon see) cross. "N" was apparently an Imperial manufacturer. Regardless, I would love to hear your thoughts, gentlemen. . .

[Bill Garvy]

The reverse. . .

[Bill Garvy]

Maker mark on the pin. . . At first I thought it was an "11", and quite possibly a Gro?mann variant. . . Edited July 12, 2005 by Bill Garvy

[Bill Garvy]

The hinge. . .

[Bill Garvy]

The clasp. . .

[Bill Garvy]

An alternate view of the clasp. . .

[Bill Garvy]

Here's a close-up of the "1939". . .

[Bill Garvy]

And finally, a view of the swastika. . .

[Panzer57]

Beautiful EK1 Bill! That's a tricky MM?...do you have a photo of a Gro?mann variant?

[Bill Garvy]

Panzer57,

The only "11" maker mark I have is on a 2nd Class cross, which is pictured below. As you can see this example, as well as the 1st Class examples, the fonts are quite different from the maker mark on the 1st Class cross shown above. The only maker marked Gro?mann's in 1st class I have seen are marked with their characteristically styled "11" below the clasp, so I thought this example may be a variant, insofar as it was marked on the pin. A closer inspection with my trusty 30x magnifier, and consulting with other more experienced collectors, confirmed this is, in fact, an "N" and not an "11", and, as aformentioned, "N" was a manufacturer of Imperial Iron Croses. I thought it quite interesting to see a "1939" issue cross with an Imperial pin, hinge, and clasp configuration.

Edited July 12, 2005 by Bill Garvy

[Bill Garvy]

Here's an example of an "11" maker mark on a 1st Class cross. (Photo courtesy of George Stimson?) Notice the similarity to the 2nd Class cross? Edited July 12, 2005 by Bill Garvy

[George Stimson]

That's the first time I've seen an apparent Imperial mark on a 1939 EK 1. I have, however, seen an Imperial mark on a 1939 EK 2 -- specifically this example with the Sy Wagner "S-W" mark.

[George Stimson]

(As a qualifier, though, I must point out that the small ribbon ring on this EK 2 is open, so it is possible that an Imperial ring got put onto the cross by someone other than the manufacturer.)

[Panzer57]

Bill,

Indeed a rare and beautiful Cross! Thank-you for showing me these examples posted. Anyone would be proud to have this one in their collection.

Panzer57