Opinion on Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

[Chopperman]

Ok Speedy, here is my best guess.
Please keep in mind the this is a common generic core used by several makers
and the pin and hinge style is also not unique to just one maker but crosses
made by "Friedlander" and sometimes marked "Fr" under the catch are most often
seen with a similar pin.

I have attached a picture that I lifted from the WAF datebase that shows and example
of a Friedlander cross with your pin. ----- Like I said, this is not 100% and but it is the best
that I can find for now. ( Miro also agreed that "Fr" was the closest match. Thanks Miro
for the help.)

[buellmeister]

Greg,

As always my friend the reverse tells a tale all to its own. I have always loved your picture. As to the cross as hand, I have perused my Imperial EK1 collection and I do not have a cross with the "rounded bottom" pin style either.

Speedfast, there is no doubt this cross is an original. I'm with Greg's assessment as to this cross being of a Friendlander varietal. Here is my closest match.

Joel

[Chopperman]

So I went to a miltaria show yesterday. I saw only 3 or 4 1st class Ek1
but this one caught my eye. It was nicely vaulted and had a nice patina.
When I turned it over, it had the same pin, hinge and catch as the one we
have been discussing. So it just had to come home with me.
Hopefully some day we will be able to know with a little more certainty who
made these. But "Fr" is still my best guess.

Note it has the more common Fr style core.

[buellmeister]

Greg,

Now, that is fate that brought you to this Cross! Well Done!