EK 1914 My 60th Iron Cross L/57 EK2

[Steve campbell]

This just arrived. It's my 60th Iron Cross. I paid a bit more than normal for this one but I figured you don't see them much. It's marked L/57 clearly on the ring. This piece has a pretty unique look. The core is a matte black, and the beading almost has a golden hue to it that doesn't show as much in the pictures. It has the demensions of a TR period cross. You don't see too many L marked EK2's from either the 1914 or 1939 series, so I'm glad I got this one. Do you even see the maker L/57 that much at all? What does everyone think?

Edited June 29, 2007 by Steve campbell

[Steve campbell]

Here's the rear. Thanks for looking. Steve

[Alex K]

Hi steve, nice cross, I would say that from the frosting which appears to be on the beading, it may well be TR made, the beading does have a TR look to it also. Nice to see one not made by S & L. L/57 would be Boerger & Co of Berlin.

Thanks for showing us.

regards

Alex

[Steve campbell]

I assumed that the fact that it's marked L/57 would make it a Third Reich production piece. The dimensions and the frosting are give aways too. Thanks for the comment.

[Mike K]

Don't worry steve, the L/ marking DEFINES this example as post-41. It HAS to be TR (or later).

Actually, I just noted the very unusual obverse crown and "W" design - interesting!

Regards

Mike

[Steve campbell]

Yes Mike, the core details concerning the crown and W are different than I have seen on any of my other crosses. The crown is very unique. I think this was a god pick up for sure.

[naoki matsumoto]

This just arrived. It's my 60th Iron Cross. I paid a bit more than normal for this one but I figured you don't see them much. It's marked L/57 clearly on the ring. This piece has a pretty unique look. The core is a matte black, and the beading almost has a golden hue to it that doesn't show as much in the pictures. It has the demensions of a TR period cross. You don't see too many L marked EK2's from either the 1914 or 1939 series, so I'm glad I got this one. Do you even see the maker L/57 that much at all? What does everyone think?

Hi,Steve!

I like this!! Ek'GOD,Steve !!

[Steve campbell]

Thanks again Naoki. This one was a great pick up and the only one of it's type in my collection.

[naoki matsumoto]

Thanks again Naoki. This one was a great pick up and the only one of it's type in my collection.

Beautiful collections

[buellmeister]

Steve,

I have to agree with Alex as well as yourself in determining TR manufacture and that one is a true beauty! The frosting and mint core that one exhibits, warrants front of the medal case attention.

Regards,

Joel

[Steve campbell]

The photos don't do it justice. In hand it looks even better. Like a said the beading has taken on almost a golden hue to it. I loved it when it tumbled out of the envelope. I went for it for the maker's mark really, but after I got it it was so much more.

[buellmeister]

Got to love the "little surprises" one often gets with collecting these. Well Done!

Regards,

Joel

[Chris Boonzaier]

That is a nice find... and superb condition !!!

[Steve campbell]

Thanks Chris. I'm going to keep my eye out for other L marked 1914 EK2's, but I doubt I'll see too many.

[ccj]

Thanks Chris. I'm going to keep my eye out for other L marked 1914 EK2's, but I doubt I'll see too many.

Wow, it looks new in the photo.

[Steve campbell]

It's in pretty good shape. I find digital cameras can make items seem even worse than they are. The history of the cross may tell why it's in such good shape. It was obviously purchased many years after WW1 so maybe the veteran passed on before he could wear it much, or perhaps after WW2 the chance or place to wear any military medals were limited and it was just put away.