My first Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse and a question

**Felsenwolf** · 04-09-2018, 04:12 PM

Hi

I've just bought my first EK2 and as i want to preserve it as best i can i have some questions for the more experienced collecters than i. My question is as follows; What should i do about the little bit of rust on the cross? Should i just let it be since it's such a small amount or should i do something about it, and if so, what methods should i use?

Thanks in advance

Best regards.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 04-09-2018 04:12 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**BrodieBartfast** · 04-09-2018, 04:19 PM

I've got an EKII with a bit of rust on the core as well. The only thing you can really do is store and display it carefully. As long as you don't expose it to extremes of heat and cold, it won't get any worse. The same goes with anything made of metal, really. As long as it's not left in a basement or attic, it should be fine.

B.B.

**Franjo Vuk** · 04-09-2018, 04:23 PM

Agreed. You should leave it as it is and just store it properly.

Best regards,
Franko

**thecyclist64** · 04-09-2018, 05:47 PM

I store mine in plastic medal wallets with one of those little silica gel packets that you get when you buy electrical equipment. The gel absorbs any moisture to keep it from getting any more rusty.

**Wilko** · 04-09-2018, 07:11 PM

I pretty much do the same with my EKII's. I keep them in the non reactive medal wallets in a aluminium case with silica gel packs around the edges. My first Imperial EKII has some rust on it as do a few others in my collection and the rust has not got any worse in 7 years. The only cleaning I've ever done is a gentle brush with a VERY SOFT tooth brush being careful not to dislodge any flaking paint that might be there. As others have said before me, just keep them at a stable temp free from extreme temperature changes and they should be fine.
Wilko

**Felsenwolf** · 04-10-2018, 12:39 PM

Ah okay, i'll just leave it as it is and perhaps get some silica gel. Thanks for all the answers.

**buellmeister** · 04-11-2018, 11:10 AM

Congratulations on your first Cross! I'm going to say that this will probably not be your last. They are addictive and heed my warning as to making room in your display case for more.

If I may add, as long as there isn't any more moisture introduced your cross will be fine.

Regards,

Joel

**rbminis** · 04-11-2018, 04:27 PM

Please read this thread.
The Use of German Terminology.
Ralph.

**Felsenwolf** · 04-11-2018, 05:41 PM

by rbminis

Please read this thread.
The Use of German Terminology.
Ralph.

Of course, i was mistaken. i thought that shortening it was OK.

**Felsenwolf** · 04-11-2018, 05:43 PM

by buellmeister

Congratulations on your first Cross! I'm going to say that this will probably not be your last. They are addictive and heed my warning as to making room in your display case for more.

If I may add, as long as there isn't any more moisture introduced your cross will be fine.

Regards,

Joel

Thank you. I will keep your warning in mind, as i'm already on the look out for another cross, haha.
Great thanks for the addition, i certainly am not planning on getting the cross wet. I have it stored in a little zip-lock bag.

Best regards