Imperial Eisernes Kreuz 1.

**John Brandon** · 10-05-2017, 09:35 AM

Ok, again I'm outta my comfort area and would appreciate some input.

I have "acquired" an EK1 - of the Imperial type. It is NON magnetic (usually a red flag) BUT is stamped 835 on the back (silver content) it is also stamped L/52 on the pin!
Now considering the LDO numbering system didn't come out to much later - it is a HUGE red flag - unless......................

It was made by Zimmerman as a replacement for a lost award (possible) at a later date - private purchased 835 silver EK? possible - and probable!

Everything checks out in "the bible book" exact............ except for......the catch faces the wrong way!! The pin is the correct "20" type, the top hinge IS magnetic ..... and the cross itself under magnification looks ok......photos are not the best as they were taken with my phone!

Call me cynical - or paranoid - or both

Any thoughts?

Thanks

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 10-05-2017 09:35 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Chopperman** · 10-06-2017, 12:51 PM

Hi John,
That is a very unusual cross and you really did your homework.

The only thing wrong with this cross is that the catch has been replaced.
It's not an uncommon thing. I have a few with repaired catches.

Most of the LDO marked Zimmermans use a different core. However, no worries, the core on
this one is a known Zimmerman core. It's also unusual to find a LDO cross that is also silver
stamped as actual silver frames are not all that common on TR crosses.

I think your cross was bought as a replacement by someone willing to spend the the extra
money for a nice quality silver cross. He then snagged it on something and the catch was
damaged and replaced.

Nice find

**John Brandon** · 10-06-2017, 01:11 PM

Thanks soooooooo much for that information, i feel much better now as at first i had serious doubts...... but it is really pleasing when you get this kind of response. Thanks

**HoundsTooth** · 10-06-2017, 01:39 PM

by John Brandon

Everything checks out in "the bible book"

Hi John - what did you use as your resource? Knowledge is power so be good to know some books on this.
Many thanks
Nick

**Chopperman** · 10-06-2017, 01:41 PM

Happy to help.

**John Brandon** · 10-06-2017, 02:34 PM

by ChewiOne

Hi John - what did you use as your resource? Knowledge is power so be good to know some books on this.
Many thanks
Nick

Hi Nick it's the iron cross1. class by Maerz & Stimson. There's a nice section on Imperial EK's that actually covers the Zimmerman type. Worth every penny IMHO