einsern kreuse klasse 1 and 2

**dalo** · 10-11-2012, 01:50 PM

Hi Guys

I am usually at the ww2 section but have started a small ww1 collection too now.
Just got my first einsern kreuse klasse 1 and 2. But i am kinda having doubts about
the klasse one iron cross but have no experience or if real so thought I'd get some help
here to see if its as genuine piece that i paid for. also if anyone can id the makers

Any advice much appreciated

heres some stuff i noticed
* smaller than my ww2 iron crosses (is that normal? I thought they were all standardised at 44mm?)
* the silver part ek1 is kind of 'bright'?
* the crown and the "W" is off centre leaning too far left on the ek1
* feels lighter than the ww2 one
* details just not as good as my ww2 iron crosses

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 10-11-2012 01:50 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Chopperman** · 10-12-2012, 04:37 AM

Your 1st. class cross is 100% original.

Most (but not all) 1914 crosses are smaller than their ww2 cousins.
Your cross is made by "MFR". Unfortunately we still don't know who
MFR was but they are a known manufacture. Their 2nd class crosses
are often seen with the MFR stamp on the ribbon ring. This particular
maker. used a thin stamped sheet metal core which accounts for the
lighter weight. They also often used silver plated alloy frames instead
of solid silver which may also effect the weight.

MFR crosses are really easy to spot because of their very uniquely styled
crown. As for detail-- MFRs are definitely not the highest quality ww1
crosses but they are still collectable and yours is actually in pretty fair
shape. A lot of MFRs are found with substantial paint loss and corrosion
to the cores. However, hold a MFR in one hand and hold a 1914 Godet in the other
and you will notice a night and day difference.

**Walkwolf** · 10-12-2012, 05:22 AM

Nice EKI, but it is your EKII that is having problems, Dalo. It looks as though
there has been a split ring installed to hold the ribbon.........!

**dalo** · 10-12-2012, 04:50 PM

Hi Chopperman and wakewolf

Thanks for your responses gentlemen thats a great relief to hear re the ek1 especially I am just not used to seeing the silver parts so shiny.
Dang the pin is an ugly shape though, not like my maybauer

I had one other query

* is it normal for the "W" and the crown to be so off centre to the left?

@ Walkwolf when you say problems do you mean it is fake or just the ring was replaced?

**bigmacglenn** · 10-12-2012, 05:00 PM

Both are original crosses in case you were worried...Walkwolf has a good eye, the ring is possibly replaced...cheers, Glenn

**Chopperman** · 10-12-2012, 05:10 PM

It is very common to find off center cores. Many crosses have cores that fit loosely.
One of the old tests from many years ago to tell if a cross was genuine was to shake the
cross and see if the core rattled in the frame.

**dalo** · 10-12-2012, 05:45 PM

Walkwolf certainly does have a good eye! the ek2 kind of has a ring that fits too tightly and does not freely move.
Thanks Chopperman for the info. much to study on them..

**Walkwolf** · 10-13-2012, 01:04 AM

The ring looks like a replacement - a split ring - or keyring.
Normally these rings are of the same material as the
cross, and solid.

Not to worry - one of many more iron Crosses you will
acquire, no doubt.........!

**dalo** · 10-13-2012, 06:00 AM

I hope so walkwolf

Btw can anyone spot who the manufacturer of the ek2 is?

by Walkwolf

one of many more iron Crosses you will
acquire, no doubt.........!

**Chopperman** · 10-13-2012, 03:32 PM

Impossible to do from the pictures provided.
That particular core style was used buy a few different makers.
KO and Fr come to mind. The only way that I know of would be to
compare the frames to known examples. That means taking a hard
look at the inner and outer corners and checking for any die flaws
or other give aways in the beading.