EK 1914 Just another "800" EK 1 1914

[JensF.]

I still search the maker of these fine crosses. The pin looks a little bit like "K.A.G.":

[JensF.]

Back:

[joe campbell]

jens-

bee-yoo-tiful cross, and in very fine

shape.

interesting to see enough wear on the lower ridging

only, with the core in terrific shape. it

must have been in such a position as to rub

on something else on the uniform.

i wish i knew more about uniforms to take

a stab at what might have caused it,

a fine addition to your collection!

joe

[Daniel Murphy]

Jens,

I do not think it is "just another" EK 1. I believe mine is a almost an exact match, including the wear on the lower arm! I have a theory on this wear point, most issue wound badges are made of steel. If you look at most photos of the EK 1 and wound badge worn together, the wound badge is worn directly below the EK1. During the course of normal service during wartime, I believe the wound badge and EK would meet and rub together creating the wear on the lower front arm of the EK 1. Since the steel is harder than the silver, the silver would become worn, not the steel. Here is the obverse of mine. I keep forgetting that digital will make every speck of microscopic dust look huge.

Dan Murphy

Edited December 1, 2005 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Here is the back. Note same style hinge. The pin is similar but not identical, the cut outs on each side are higher creating a triangular looking top.

Dan Murphy

Edited December 1, 2005 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Although it is partly visible on the last photo, it is marked "WS" for Wagner and Sohn of Berlin. This was the first EK 1 I ever bought, it is still one of my favorites. One thing for sure, it did not sit in a desk drawer the entire war. Minty is nice, but I love the salty ones. You know they have "seen the elephant". Aaarrgghh, attack of the green crud! I have removed it now though.

Dan Murphy

Edited December 1, 2005 by Daniel Murphy

[joe campbell]

dan-

sounds reasonable to me re:

wound badge on ek.

thanks!

joe

[JensF.]

Good and logical theory. Thanks!

[Mike K]

Hi,

Imo two nice honest crosses imaged in this thread but they are definitely not from the same maker - cores (crowns, Ws and dates) are way different for a start. Beading on the frames also appears different. Jens, I'm not at home so I can't make any comparison with my examples to help you ID this one.

Dan, I like the rubbing theory - I've never really given wear patterns much thought but it makes a lot of sense!

Regards

Mike K

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

Jens,

I do not think it is "just another" EK 1. I believe mine is a almost an exact match, including the wear on the lower arm! I have a theory on this wear point, most issue wound badges are made of steel. If you look at most photos of the EK 1 and wound badge worn together, the wound badge is worn directly below the EK1. During the course of normal service during wartime, I believe the wound badge and EK would meet and rub together creating the wear on the lower front arm of the EK 1. Since the steel is harder than the silver, the silver would become worn, not the steel. Here is the obverse of mine. I keep forgetting that digital will make every speck of microscopic dust look huge.

Dan Murphy

Hi Dan,

I see you think as deeply as I do concerning the how, and why our collectibles appear the way that they do. I have a cross on the way (I believe a KAG), that exhibits the same wear pattern. I had studied pictures from the period, initially thinking that the wide leather belt may have been the culprit as an aviator was tossed about in his aeroplane (I know...vivid imagination), but the wound badge makes more sense. Here is mine. I'll post some close-ups when it gets here.

Edited July 10, 2006 by IMPERIAL QUEST

[dond]

Or perhaps it rubbed against their battle gear, webbing, belt etc....

Or worse, it rubbed against the bulge of his belly as he sat at his desk pushing paperwork.

Edited July 10, 2006 by dond

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

Or worse, it rubbed against the bulge of his belly as he sat at his desk pushing paperwork.

Great....thanks for stealing my joy...

[ekhunter]

Jens,

I do not think it is "just another" EK 1. I believe mine is a almost an exact match, including the wear on the lower arm! I have a theory on this wear point, most issue wound badges are made of steel. If you look at most photos of the EK 1 and wound badge worn together, the wound badge is worn directly below the EK1. During the course of normal service during wartime, I believe the wound badge and EK would meet and rub together creating the wear on the lower front arm of the EK 1. Since the steel is harder than the silver, the silver would become worn, not the steel. Here is the obverse of mine. I keep forgetting that digital will make every speck of microscopic dust look huge.

Dan Murphy

Good possibility. What would cause wear at all four of the arms? I have one that is worn at all four arms on the entire surface. I'll see if I can post it tonight. I'm thinking a lot of wear against maybe leather straps with buckles over a long period of time. I don't know, but very interesting theory.

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

Good possibility. What would cause wear at all four of the arms? I have one that is worn at all four arms on the entire surface. I'll see if I can post it tonight. I'm thinking a lot of wear against maybe leather straps with buckles over a long period of time. I don't know, but very interesting theory.

Hi, could be a lot of "face time" with the earth....like in trenches....

Edited July 10, 2006 by IMPERIAL QUEST

[Tom Y]

Tornister straps/buckles could cause wear in a lot of places. There was an awful lot of marching to and from the front.

Edited July 10, 2006 by Tom Y

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

Tornister straps/buckles could cause wear in a lot of places

Hi Tom,

Good picture to illustrate your point. The level that an EK I would be worn in, is a prime position for taking a lot of abuse.

Edited July 10, 2006 by IMPERIAL QUEST

[Daniel Murphy]

Hi, could be a lot of "face time" with the earth....like in trenches....

Very possible if the core is worn equally (like mine). It also could have sat in a desk drawer face down for the last 80 years and slid back and forth every time it was opened or closed. Talk about stealing joy.

Edited July 11, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[ekhunter]

Tornister straps/buckles could cause wear in a lot of places. There was an awful lot of marching to and from the front.

Great photo, really shows how the wear and tear could take place, amazing that more crosses aren't in worse shape.

[Motorhead]

I'm late here.....K.A.G. first class type two with the "wide" crown.

Micha

Obverse

[Motorhead]

Reverse

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

I was going to add pics, but the feature isn't working...

Edited July 13, 2006 by IMPERIAL QUEST

[ekhunter]

Reverse

K.A.G.'s with that type core are getting really hard to find. Once again, that is a nice cross!

[Mike K]

Hi,

Steven (and Jens if you look back in on this), do either of your crosses have any marks under the pin - a "v" or "y" perhaps?

Regards

Mike

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

Hi,

Steven (and Jens if you look back in on this), do either of your crosses have any marks under the pin - a "v" or "y" perhaps?

Regards

Mike

Hi Mike, I have looked , and did not see any. It is possible that I could have missed it though because the pin doesn't open more than about 45 degrees. But...if I am correct in assuming these marks were placed there after full assembly, there are probably none to be found on mine.