Controversial, but I like it

**Danny70** · 05-14-2012, 11:25 PM

Hello All...

You may have noticed that I was selling a lot of items recently, and here's the reason....

Yes, I know it's a very controversial area, but I really liked the look of this one.
It's a B-frame S&L RK with a magnetic core and is a very early example of the B-type, in that it doesn't have any of the raised beading flaws.. possible wartime parts? It is extremely well made and well finished, although, I have never handled another to compare it to!
Unmarked, but the ring has an 800 stamp.
It's a real pity that some idiot engraved the reverse with a spurious name and date.

Still, it's a close as I will probably ever get to an actual wartime RK so I'm happy to have it in my collection.

Regards - Danny

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 05-14-2012 11:25 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Adrian** · 05-14-2012, 11:34 PM

I don't blame you for buying it Danny, I nearly had one a few weeks back. I would be more than happy to have one of these in my collection in lieu of a 'proper' wartime RK.
Congrats on your purchase.

**Cameron Stockton** · 05-15-2012, 07:51 AM

Hi

A excellent RK well done! I would love one in my collection ( I can dream)

Thanks

Cameron

**Woolgar** · 05-15-2012, 08:02 AM

Hi Danny, congratulations on becoming a 'RitterKreuztraeger'

I dont know much about RK's, are you saying this is not a wartime cross ?

Nick

**Danny70** · 05-15-2012, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Nick -

That's the controversial bit, as far as I am aware (without Dietrich's book to hand), Steinhauer & Lück introduced the B frame sometime around 1944 and used it continually up until and after the 1957 crosses were issued. However, by then the die had developed some raised beading flaws (as can be seen on the first '1957' B crosses), but mine doesn't have these flaws.

There is still a lot of debate about these types. Dietrich claims the 'earliest' S&L B-frame crosses (935-4 and 800-4) are wartime, but as to the other types, well....
There are many who disagree with him on this and believe that some of the magnetic swastika cored B frame cross could indeed be wartime produced, it depends on the quality of assembly and finishing.

So, exactly when my cross was made is impossible to say (maybe 1944 - 1949?) but odds are that this is a post war assembled cross using original parts. That's good enough for me (and more importantly, my wallet!)

Regards - Danny

May I also add, that whoever engraved it needs a good kicking!

**Woolgar** · 05-15-2012, 10:48 AM

Thanks for that Danny. Indeed it would be good enough for me too.

The other mystery is , was it engraved by the recipient or a dealer?

Great pick up you must be really pleased

Nick

**Danny70** · 05-15-2012, 10:55 AM

by Woolgar

....The other mystery is , was it engraved by the recipient or a dealer?

Unfortunately, there is no known RK recipient O. Schüller from Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51).
The engraving style is very modern too.

**rbminis** · 05-15-2012, 12:30 PM

I don't know much about RK's but, it certainly looks the part!

It has the quality workmanship of a wartime production, very unfortunate about the engraving.
Congrats Danny!

Ralph.

**Scout** · 05-15-2012, 12:35 PM

I would certainly not mind having that RK at all.
Congrats.
You are understandably well chuffed.

**Datrus** · 05-15-2012, 12:51 PM

Excuse me for asking a novice question here, but if one never asks, one will never learn. When Danny write his was possibly made in 1944-49 does that mean they still made them with swastikas post war? If so why. I have almost everything to learn in this field, so excuse me please

Regards, Lars