My firsr Cased Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse.Maker?

[Thanatos]

Gday all,
I have just purchased my first Cased Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse.
I was hoping one of you good gentlemen could possibly identify the maker.



These are the images from the sellers site.
Whilst not the best example I feel it's maybe a good first purchase in this class.
Any assistance re maker and opinions re authenticity would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for looking.
Cheers and all the best
Dave

[Danny70]

Hello Dave,

Congratulations on your first.. (though probably not your last).

It looks to me like a good Wächtler & Lange but I don't have any of my references on hand to be certain.
They were marked on the underside of the pin (easily missed) so don't forget to check when it arrives.

Regards - Danny

[Woolgar]

Congrats Dave, a nice W&L indeed !


Nick

[Thanatos]

Thanks Nick and Danny for the maker ID.
I will check the pins underside when it arrives Danny.Is the mark a letter series eg WL or a number code?
Again thanks a heap fellas for you much informed comments.
Cheers and all the best
Dave

[Danny70]

Dave,
If it is marked it would be stamped with W&L's PKZ number '100' or 'L 55'.

Just a question here,
I had thought that the clasp on W&L's was from a 'flat' wire, whereas this cross seems to have a round wire clasp.
Anyone ever seen this kind of clasp on a W&L before?

Here's the clasp on my old marked '100'.

Regards - Danny


EDIT:

I've just realised that the Juncker 'crunch bead' EK1 (which to my eyes looks exactly like a W&L) used that rounded type clasp....

You might just have hit the jackpot!!

[Thanatos]

Hi Danny,
Sorry mate what do you mean by 'crunch bead".Is it a Junker variation?
Apologies for my ignorance.
Cheers again
Dave

[Danny70]

Hello Dave,

The 'crunch bead' is a feature found on W&L crosses and also on some Juncker variants, it looks as if an extra bead is squashed in where there isn't enough room for it.
It's location is illustrated below on both Juncker and W&L EK2's (I don't have a Juncker EK1 to show it, but you can see it on your own cross).
As to whether your cross is a Juncker or not, I cannot be sure, because although the clasp looks like it is, the pin looks more like a W&L.
Maybe some of the other guys will be able to say for certain. Nevertheless, it's still a very nice looking cross. Congratulations.

Regards - Danny

[Ingrid Patrouille]

Very nice EK1, Dave! Well done.

Regards

[Glenn66]

I love it!

Even without a makers mark that scrunch bead is as good as it gets! .

My L55 to compare...

[Woolgar]

Here is my cased 100 to compare

Nick