Eisernes Kreuz Klasse 2 - Can you help identify

[jamie7d7]

A chap I have bought from before with no problems has offered me this EK2 for sale.

He tells me it is an early '23' and has a 'U' stamped on the ring.

I have 2 examples of a '23' already but having never seen the letter marking before I thought who better to ask than the chaps on here.

Would the 'U' signify that this cross is a 'LUG' variant. To be honest I'm not completely sure what a LUG variant is ha!

Also, just above the U, there looks to be a tiny 'R' however, it is so small it could just be a flaw in the ring or a mark caused by time.

I appreciate your input. And I understand your shock, for once I haven't a question about a KVK1!

[harryamb2]

a very nice example of a EK2.

[Nick Hessens]

It is a '23', but I have never seen one with a marking like that before. Looks rather crudely done IMO?

See this link for the 'Lug variant'.

Regards,
Nick

[jamie7d7]

Thanks gents for the advice, and Nick for the link (hey, that rhymes ha ha). I've learned today!!!