Saxony: War Merit Cross in bronze

[Alex K]

Hi all, attached are a couple of images of the above I was considering in investing in, all looks good to me, but anyone see any red flags, (given the plethora of convincing fakes now floating around)

Any Comments appreciated

Regards

Alex k

[Stogieman]

Hi Alex, I guess it’s possible this cross has been copied but I was unaware of that. Years ago these popped up infrequently and there wasn’t much demand. That has certainly changed these past few years and prices for this cross have increased dramatically.

I don’t see any huge red flags and I like the home made trifold we often find on Saxon awards. Is the seller a reputable dealer?? A cased example recently sold on eBay.de for under 300- Euros 

[Alex K]

Hi, thanks for the speedy reply, I don't have any major concerns about the dealer, long established and well regarded, concerns were based purely on the growing ability of fakers to produce convincing copies, which, I'm sure could fool seasoned collectors or even reputable dealers sometimes, additional perusal by other collectors gives a degree of reassurances

Thanks

Regards

[VtwinVince]

It looks OK to me, and yes, there are tons of decent fakes floating around these days. Any maker's mark on the edge of the 6 o'clock cross arm?

[Alex K]

Hi, it doesn't mention anything in the description, but I'll check should I decide to purchase it, 

Thanks and regards

[CRBeery]

This cross looks decent but a couple things do concern me. First, the contrast is greater than I have seen before. It could be lighting or that the owner or jeweler polished it more than a normal cross. The other thing that bothers me is the weakness in the pattern on the 9 o’clock arm over the wreath. 

Edited June 3, 2024 by CRBeery

[Alex K]

Interesting, as far as the contrast goes, photographed (or scanned) with a dark background can produce a higher than normal  contrast, the image you've posted has a more "average" light dispersal, but I take your point

[CRBeery]

I checked and only the cased example has the S marking.

[Stogieman]

I know Scharffenburg made and marked their crosses, is there a label on the bottom of your case @CRBeery? I also know other makers did not. I’ve seen this both ways for this cross.

[CRBeery]

There is indeed a label Rick!

[Alex K]

Update, decided  to purchase, arrived today, attached images, arm IS stamped with an "s", must be honest, it looks 😍 

Edited June 5, 2024 by Alex K

[Stogieman]

Looks great! Maybe same maker as Chet’s piece 

[Alex K]

Thanks, I think it stands for schneider

Edited June 5, 2024 by Alex K

[CRBeery]

Perfect looking to me! It was the photos. Nice addition for your collection.

[Alex K]

Thanks, I think so also

Regards