Ritterkreuz opinions

**Harrier** · 01-03-2012, 11:20 PM

Wartime ribbons have a beveled edge (with curved "ridges"), not merrowed or otherwise secured, and, generally, each white band consists of 25 thread lines. (There are some original ribbons which have a slightly lower white thread count, but these are tricky.) Stick with 25 and you should be safe. Of course, there should be no glow under black light.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 01-03-2012 11:20 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**CARL** · 01-03-2012, 11:24 PM

Thanks again guys.

**Adrian** · 01-04-2012, 12:48 AM

by talltom

how do you actually tell a wartime ribbon from a fake one ive never quite worked it out

As Harrier says, weave count and looped edges are signs of an original. They are some arguments that some non looped edges are also wartime made but I don't subscribe and stick to what I know.

**talltom** · 01-04-2012, 08:52 AM

thanks harrier and adrian brilliant information

**Adrian** · 01-04-2012, 10:21 AM

Look for the loops!

**Paul D** · 01-04-2012, 01:53 PM

by Harrier

This particular version cross has been around for a number of years and can be found with numerous marks (including "L/12", "20", etc.). There is also a 1957 version using this same frame and there is a very slight chance that the frame may have been used by an unknown maker in the pre-November, 1941 period to make some crosses.

Although there is, as of now, no "official award" cross with a "dipping ring", the so-called "Sedlatzek cross' in the Maerz book is an example of a wartime-made cross with an intentional "dipping ring". Interestingly, the frame on the "Sedlatzek cross" (note: NOT made by Sedlatzek, but only sold by him), is the same frame used by Souval to make postwar crosses with "dipping 3" in the obverse '1939' date. There are multiple original wartime photos of "dipping ring" crosses in wear. Some of these are most likely the "Seladtzek" version, some may be "normal" crosses from known makers where the step of "shaving" the integral ring as it intrudes into the frame was missed, and others may be other crosses from unknown makers. The "no original crosses with dipping ring" belief is a myth, and it is more accurate to say that "no currently known AWARD CROSSES" have the dipping ring.

Very interesting information Harrier thanks for that . Do you have any of the original wartime photos of a dipping ring RK to post ?

cheers

Paul

**Harrier** · 01-04-2012, 02:30 PM

Hi, Paul,
Yes, I have a couple on my computer, but just joined here and have no idea how to post photos! If you can send me a message with your e-mail, I'll be glad to send them to you so you can post them.
Best,
Harrier

**talltom** · 01-04-2012, 02:36 PM

by Harrier

Hi, Paul,
Yes, I have a couple on my computer, but just joined here and have no idea how to post photos! If you can send me a message with your e-mail, I'll be glad to send them to you so you can post them.
Best,
Harrier

harrier its very simple go to this thread New picture posting feature - How to guide ! that should help

**Harrier** · 01-04-2012, 05:03 PM

Thanks! I will take some time after I get home from work and try to figure it out. In the meantime, I have forwarded some photos to Paul so he can hopefully post them.