EK 1939 Not magnetic EK`s

[mike75]

I wonder, The period and the reason of manufacturing of such crosses.

Thanks, Mike

[Wilco]

The reason why is still not known. Known is that in 1942 the LdO issued a notice to the manufacturers wher in they adviced to only use Iron cores as the rules stated. This message was send beceause it was found out that some manufacturers used brass and tombak which was not allowed. They were ordered to use Iron or they would be expelled from manufacturing the EK 1. This states not why other materials were used, but it does state that prior to 1942 some manufacturers produced non iron core EK 1's. The story that they were issued for Kriegsmarine use has never been proven by any documentation, so this story is no longer eminent.

[mike75]

The reason why is still not known. Known is that in 1942 the LdO issued a notice to the manufacturers wher in they adviced to only use Iron cores as the rules stated. This message was send beceause it was found out that some manufacturers used brass and tombak which was not allowed. They were ordered to use Iron or they would be expelled from manufacturing the EK 1. This states not why other materials were used, but it does state that prior to 1942 some manufacturers produced non iron core EK 1's. The story that they were issued for Kriegsmarine use has never been proven by any documentation, so this story is no longer eminent.

Thanks, Wilco

[Alex K]

Wilco is quite correct, The LDO issued instructions to the manufacturers that the EK was to be manufactured to the original concept of the award, (1813) and that the only permitted material that could be used was iron for the core, hence Eiserne kreuz. It should be remembered that the LDO was only concerned with the manufacture of PRIVATE PURCHASE awards, these were in effect, copies which could be purchased by the medal recipients as additional pieces for those who could prove entitlement to them, and therefore were not officially sanctioned by the Reich Chancellery who issued original awards. The situation becomes slightly more confusing because after the edict was issued, manufacturers who had stocks of medals produced before that time (And this applies more to the RK) were ordered to hand over their stock of finished medals to the reich chancellery. It is therefore possible that awards of medals after this time could be of non iron cores and non silver frames as the chancellerey issued medals that it had in stock.

It can be very confusing. attached is an EK1 with Brass core, I believe made by Wachter & Lange of Ludenshied, as can be seen it is a brass core, and no maker mark

BTW there is no evidence that suggests that they were produced for the Kreigsmarine so that their medals would not rust in a salty atmosphere.

regards

Alex

Edited April 22, 2007 by Alex K

[mike75]

Hi Alex, I think that such crosses were issued up to the middle of 1942. And certainly they were not issued specially for the Kreigsmarine .

[Motorhead]

I would say the use of brass and zinc has got more a technical aspect-the weaker metal is easier to stamp! Not so much use on the tool.To the period they have used-just remember when the LDO came into the game.....L/19 EK1 are only made with a brass core! So you can say from the first o the last day....it looks like that some companies simply ignored the LDO rules,for exaple Steinhauer&L?ck,W?chtler&Lange ect......

Micha

[mike75]

I would say the use of brass and zinc has got more a technical aspect-the weaker metal is easier to stamp! Not so much use on the tool.To the period they have used-just remember when the LDO came into the game.....L/19 EK1 are only made with a brass core! So you can say from the first o the last day....it looks like that some companies simply ignored the LDO rules,for exaple Steinhauer&L?ck,W?chtler&Lange ect......

Micha

Thanks, Micha