EK 1939 Help Identifying unmarked EK2

[bvanfossen]

Hello All-

Thanks in advance for your help.

I have purchased my first ever medal- a nice (imo) EK2. I'm very excited about it and was wondering if anyone might know the maker.

Thanks,

Brian

[Danny70]

Hello Brian,

Congratulations on your first EK2 and welcome to GMIC!

I'm sure this one will not be your last.

It is a beautiful example of an unmarked '100' - made by the firm of

Rudolf W?chtler & Lange, Mittweida.

Regards- Danny

Edited June 24, 2008 by Danny70

[joe campbell]

Brian-

an excellent way to start your EK collection.

that's a beaut!

joe

[bvanfossen]

Thanks Danny and Joe.

Danny- what are they signs that give it away?

thanks

Brian

[Danny70]

Thanks Danny and Joe.

Danny- what are they signs that give it away?

thanks

Brian

Brian,

W&L crosses have a number of distinctive traits that make them 'stand out'.

Many examples are found in this great condition still retaining much of the frosting.

The first and most obvious feature being the hump at the jump ring - while this is found on quite a few different makers crosses (generally to a lesser degree), it helps narrow the possibilities.

The second thing I look for is the low positioning of the dates on the core.

Also, W&L crosses have the top right hand corner of the '3' chopped off on the 1813 date. (They do on my versions anyway... and yours!)

These crosses also have a kind of 'squashed bead' (one that looks like a half bead squeezed in among the others) at the 2 o'clock position.

Hope this makes sense and don't worry, you will get used to seeing the differences between makers because, as I said before, I'm sure this will not be your last cross!

Regards - Danny

[bvanfossen]

thanks for that helpful information Danny.

The bead- are you reffering to the "welding bead" between the flat silver edges and the "wire" boarder meet?

I've been looking for my next cross. I'd like to buy a a knights cross or German cross. I've been bitten by the bug for sure.

I've been looking for a case for my EK2- do you know where I can find one?

Also- gunbroker.com- do you think alot of that GErman WW2 stuff is fake?

Thanks for helping- even though it is off topic.

Brian