UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Medals & Badges of the Third Reich Forum EK1 Non-Magnetic???

I had this cased EK1 set aside for a while and was going to put it up for sale. It wasn�t until I started to take the sale photos that I noticed the edges of the Swastika looked a bit �soft� or rounded. I then took a magnet and checked the core. No-Stick. The frame does have a seam and so appears to be a three piece cross, but I do not recall if the non-iron core was an absolute post war indicator. The case looked ok to me, but I�ll post some photos of that too.

The Back.

The Case front and top.

Catch Detail.

Liner / hinge detail.

In his book "The Iron Cross, a History"
Gordon Williamson states a brass core variant was produced.

Brass cores and non ferrous alloy cores are known to exist. One piece alloy cross are also known.
I see nothing wrong with the case, is the inner base section loose enough to remove? Over the years the orig. glue dries out and the base can be removed. I would not pry on it just to prove that point though!!!

--dj--Joe

Hmmm. Brass. As a matter of fact there are small traces of "Blue Green" in a couple spots at the edges of the core at the frame. I had thought this was some residual metal polish, but maybe this is some color from brass.

This link shows a number of different crosses and cases.
--dj--Joe

http://daggers.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/800097573/m/3570020023

Joe,
The lower base was not "loose" but when I hooked a fingernail in the pin slot and gently tugged up it came out. The cardboard has an embossed number on both the case and the base followed by a "D&B" inside an oval. I don't think the case is an issue and evidently non-magnetic cores exist. Now the question is does the date, Swastika and pin look ok???????

For reference. Detail of maker mark and number.

The case is original.
The reverse of the cross looks OK, but before I stick my neck out, I would need a sharper image of the obverse.

--dj--Joe

I aggree the case is fine, as for the cross, from the photos it looks ok and very well could be fine but like Joe said a better pic of the obverse would help.

Fritziii

Here are the best photos I can get with my camara.

Swastika & Date.

Frame edge, seam and beading.

BTW: If this EK checks out OK, will the member that contacted me about this last month email me again. When I had questions about it, I pulled it from sale and deleted your email after I notified you. But you certainly have first choice if it is ok.

From what I see it looks ok.

Fritziii

I'm going to keep researching, so far it resembles an Otto Schickle product (note the beading and rounded inner frame near the swastika), but flat catches are usually noted on Schickle crosses.

I note none of the common repro. details such as a low date or a low 3 in the date, etc.

--dj--Joe

I am no expert on Iron Crosses, but I obtained a brass cored Iron Cross directly from the Vet who brought it back, no doubt about its authenticity, so I am certain that originals did exist. Several of the reputable reference books even indicate that the Govt had to "crack down" on firms that were making them with brass cores. Joe S

looks righteous all the way,,,,

Hello,

This is a period produced EK_1 with a non-ferrous core by the firm of Souval and has an Orth core (both Austrian makers)

William Kramer