EK 1870 1870 EK II

[Obergefreiter]

Could someone please explain to me what the difference is between a "Type A" 1870 EK II, and a "Type B" 1870 EK II. Thank you.

[J Temple-West]

Funnily enough, I was offered an 1870 not long ago and started doing some research....quite a minefield! It turned out to be a fake, but during research process I came across this page...hopefully it will give some insight.

http://www.medalnet.net/Iron_Cross_1870.htm

[Chris Boonzaier]

Fantastic link. I have not had a 1870 EK in many years, I must admit the article is a big jump compared to the info out there 10 years ago!!

I look and i look... but I dont see exactly what a "9th bead fake" is? Even looking at the photo which apparently has the answer... I am lost...

Can anyone help?

Thanks

Chris

[bolewts58]

count over to the 9th bead on the obverse side, and you will see that it is noticeably larger than the rest.

[bolewts58]

Here's an example.

[Alex K]

The dreaded 9th bead fake!! maybe the engraver of an original 1870 EK core sneezed at that particular moment or got stung by a wasp and therefore pressed on the peddle a little too hard!!!!!

Alex K

[Obergefreiter]

Thank you, Gentlemen, for all of your useful information. Simple, when you see pictures of what you're talking about.

[gregM]

Once you learn to look for the oversized 9th bead and the

over/under style date, these "9th bead" fakes become

pretty easy to spot.

Edited November 29, 2013 by gregM

[kasle]

I think the biggest red flag on Ninth Bead fake is thin W, thin date numerals and typical overall shape of 1914 KO frame, which is used to make this fake.

Looking for the Ninth Bead can bring you only confusion, because

- there is one subtype of A-type core, that also have bigger Ninth Bead (see photo)

- sellers of Ninth Bead fake already learned to mask Ninth Bead with all possible methods.

What they can mask only very badly, is the fact that Ninth Bead fake is always stamped and painted, while original awarded A-type was mostly cast and blackened.