Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1.Klasse mit Schwertern K&O ”second type made of zinc”.

[BMB]

Hi MAP and Ralph, thank you for your posts!

I agree with you Ralph that it is rather part of the oak leaf outer edge than a dei flow and rather a design "characteristic" as you write MAP. The Pictures from the book are of a tombac cross.

I know very well about this type of cross that the thread is about and I think it is the last type of cross made by K&O and absolutely no fake cross.

What I have come up with if I remember correctly there are 6 different variants of K&O crosses.

Best regards
Martin

[MAP]

Interesting that their are six different die set ups. Or are you saying 6 different types when considering metal used as well as reverse hardware?

Yes, the photo are the tombac cross but the book also shows the same in zinc as well. I just didn't provide the photo as it was more clear on the tombac.

Interesting discussion....(just wait till you see the KvK I'll be posting over the coming week . Now that will be an interesting one )

[BMB]

No, only two different die set ups.

Tombac: Three variants all same die set up, reverse hardware three variants.

Type 1a: First die set up, flat straight pin and round flat wires catch no mm.
Type 1b: First die set up, same as type 1a but same catch as type 2 and mm.
Typ 2: First die set up, tapered pin and angled flat wires catch mm.

Zinc: Three variants, two different die set up, reverse hardware two variants.

Type 3: First die set up, molded hinge and catch and hollow tapered pin mm.
Type 4a: Second die set up, same reverse hardware as type 3 mm.
Type 4b: Second die set up, molded hinge and catch and flat pin mm.

This is how I remember it to be.

Best regards
Martin

[jamie7d7]

I do like K&O crosses but I was glad that my zincker went to a good home.

Here are my remaining "62's"






This one has the owners name scratched into it along with the date and place it was awarded. Alfred Muller 4/4/45, Schillerstr. 7 Osterode am Harz (this town was captured by the Americans on 12/4/45!)

I have been able to do some research with the help of a local historian from the town and it is possible that Alfred was a member of a Luftwaffe Flak Unit which was situated in this street prior to retreating from the advancing Allies.

[BMB]

Hi Jamie!
Looks like a Type 2 and a Type 4a cross according to my list.

Best regards
Martin