WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class.

[English Bill]

German Iron Cross 1st Class. The back pin has a clear 800 silver stamp. Is it true or fake ?

[Walkwolf]

Nice cross. I like the tapered pin. Hope it's the real deal.........!

[Chopperman]

Interesting cross.

[Adrian]

Hmm. What do you think Greg? Have you ever seen a pin like that before?

[Chopperman]

quite honestly, I believe it's a fake.
This one or one like it was posted on another forum and it did
not get good reviews. I have some opinions about the frame and core
design but I am away from my files for a week. ( my computer is in the
shop and I am having to use my wifes machine)

I don't want to get into any detail without having something more
to go one then just a gut feeling or a vague memory. That would
not be fair to the owner.

[English Bill]

Well your view is appreciated since I am green as grass on this subject. If it can be exposed as a fake it will go into the bin.

[Chopperman]

Hi Bill,
I just finally got my computer back from the repair shop.
I remember a cross like yours being discussed over at
WAF. I can not find the specific thread to link to but I
did save the pictures into my FAKES file. As you can
see it is nearly identical to yours except this one does
not have the "800" silver stamp on it.

I was hoping I was wrong. I really like the style of pin
that was used.

Greg

[English Bill]

I can confirm that my cross is genuine silver.......do they make copies using silver ?

[Chopperman]

I have never held this particular style cross in my hands.
I am passing on someone else's opinion on this one.

To answer your question--YES, There are fakes being
made of silver. This is especially true with the so-called
"Frankenstein" crosses. That is, original crosses that
have been modified to increase collector value. Ek2s that
have been turned into ek1s, and standard or plain ek1s
that have had different and more unique hardware added
to them.

I have sent you a PM.

[English Bill]

Would you regard my Iron cross as being only worthy of the bin then ?