Eisernes Kreuz (EK1) 1914 with box - good?

[Greg735]

Hi,

I plan to buy this EK1 1st class. Can you see if it's good or not?

Many thanks as I'm not an expert with EK...

[rbminis]

The cross is a good KO, I think the case is okay as well.
Greg, (AKA, Chopperman), will know better.
Ralph.

[Chopperman]

I agree, the cross is a good one. I'm not much help when it
comes to cases.

[Greg735]

Thanks to you all!

[Greg735]

There are some detailed pictures

[Chopperman]

KO is thought to be the mark for the company "Klein & Quenzer" from Oberstein.
It is by far the most common of the maker marked 1st class crosses. Because
it is the most common and always found as a flat pin back. Most believe that
this was the original awarded cross until demand out passed supply.

I think every Imperial cross collection should have a KO in it.

[SergeantStubby]

Because it is the most common and always found as a flat pin back.

Does that mean that if I come across a curved KO marked cross, I should be careful and treat it with suspicion?

Thanks in advance!

[Greg735]

Thanks! Should I leave it as it is or can I try to clean it (if it's possible?) ?

[Chopperman]

Yes.
I have seen examples of original KOs that have been hand vaulted.
Probably done by the recipient so it looked like the vaulted private purchase crosses.
But there are fake KO crosses lurking around. Any KO 1st class that is not flat or a
pin back should be given a good hard examination.

[SergeantStubby]

Thanks for your reply Greg (Chopperman)!
The fake EK1 I posted a while back was a 'vaulted KO' (https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/imper...1-fake-679371/).

Other Greg, I definitely wouldn't try to clean it (it looks very nice as is), but ultimately it's up to you.