EK 1914 "New" old Hansen EK1 variation

[Daniel Murphy]

It is late for Christmas, but better late than never. This little piece should be winging it's way to me shortly. Here is a variation of a Hansen EK1, I have never seen before. This is apparently the first type that they manufactured. It has a smaller 38mm backplate in the same style but is slightly different. The markings are "M. Hansen" underneath was the 800, crescent moon and crown, but this has been polished/struck out. Then "D.R.G.M" and "Angem.". The last word is an abbreviation for Angemeldet. This means that the pattern has been submitted for DRGM protection but that it has not been registered yet. Sort of like a "Patent Applied For" marking. From what I can find Hansen was given the DRGM number 650006 circa December 1914. This would mean this piece was made in 1914. The only reason that I can think they would remove the silver markings is if the piece was made in a grade of silver less than 800. It was stated to be all silver. (I know the the Germans had a leather shortage in 1914-15 due to the blockade, was there a silver shortage too?) The core is cracked on the left arm as you are looking at it. This would indicate to me that it was worn during the war. I looked at the photo of the "Hansen Horde" and did not see one like this, however it's condition is similar to some from that find. I plan to control the rust problem when I get it. OK, lets get to the good part, the pictures.

Dan Murphy

Edited December 28, 2005 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Here is the reverse,

Dan Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Here is a close up of the markings. This makes three variations now. DRGM 650006 with name, DRGM 650006 without name and this one. Makes you wonder, are any more out there?

Dan Murphy

Footnote: I have been researching DRGM numbers and the Hansen DRGM number 650006 dates to approximately December 1914. (The Meybauer screwback with DRGM number 653146 dates to the same period.)

DM

Edited December 28, 2005 by Daniel Murphy

[joe campbell]

that's what i love about imperial, dan:

the more you see, the more variety you discover!

i like this one, but can't tell you why the silver marks

are altered.

i will be curious to see how your preservation turns out.

nice!

joe

[gregM]

Nice Variation of the Hanson EK - I like it !!

[Stogieman]

Interesting..... have not seen this variation before, nor have I ever seen a produced piece with altered silver hallmarks. Quite a puzzle.

[Daniel Murphy]

OK,

Finally! I have the piece in my big fat hands. After some treatment to the rust with pentrating oil and a toothbrush, Here are the results.

Dan Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

The the cross and screwplate are definitely real silver. Why were the markings altered? Who knows.

[Daniel Murphy]

Here is the reverse. I once worked for a jeweler and learned that if you rub you thumb roughly on a piece and it is silver the tarnish will come off. If silver plate it will not. I tried to remove the tarnish from around the lettering and removed more than I wanted. I then used a little polish to even it out. Oops. Note that there is still a ghost of the markings that were polished out by the maker. Also look at the edges of the cross. On the back they have all been rounded so that it does not snag on the uniform.

Edited January 11, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Here is a close up of the markings.

[Daniel Murphy]

And last an angled view of the side. I could look at this picture all day. Now I just need to get the standard Hansen I have my eye on. The journey never ends.

Dan Murphy

Edited January 11, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[joe campbell]

now THAT"S an EK 1.....

lovely piece, dan, and that screw is

one of a kind. thanks for the pix!

joe