Frankenstein crosses

[Chopperman]

While surfing ebay, I came across this example of a "Frankenstein" iron cross.
That is, a cross made up of miss-matched parts or upgrade with different
pins, screws or what ever to increase their value.

Some can be hard to judge but this one is a good example of what I mean.

This probably started out as a wonerfully aged 2nd class cross.

[Chopperman]

and someone did this to it---------

[Chopperman]

Here is the ebay link-------------

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

[ppsh33]

hi chopperman..it not the first time and it wont be the last ,this Muppet has had doctored crosses on his eBay page, its a shame to see history destroyed in this fashion. his eBay shop is always good for a laugh , cheers Paul

[Chopperman]

hi chopperman..it not the first time and it wont be the last

Yea, I know.-------and he is not the only one. Reworking Eks is becomeing quite a closet industry.

Ebay.de usually has a few examples of Frankenstein crosses wainting for the unexperienced coleectors.

If a cross looks to good to be true, it usually is.

[stalheim56]

Hi Thats vandalism ,as you say it probaly was a well aged EK11 you can still see heat marks ,thanks for drawing attention to this ebay seller I would not buy from him now . the intention to decieve is clear no one with any modicum of knowledge would give£200 for that .

[oradour]

Hi Thats vandalism ,as you say it probaly was a well aged EK11 you can still see heat marks ,thanks for drawing attention to this ebay seller I would not buy from him now . the intention to decieve is clear no one with any modicum of knowledge would give£200 for that .

Well said, but sadly someone will bid and buy these crosses, not all collectors visit these pages or do their homework.......Greg thanks for bringing this subject up. Sadly, I suppose, there are those, who will still come to defend these characters on fleabay.
Prost ! Steve.

[Walkwolf]

Hi, all !

It is sad to see a good cross ruined ................ !

A member posted two EKI crosses several months ago with suspicious
heat marks on the edges, and I now think they both were altered
just like this. Can't remember if they were WWI or not.

Looks like the one above was reassembled incorrectly as well;

Most Imperial EKII cores have SOME movement - there are rust marks
on the left and right arms of the core, but the rusty 'lines' where the
frame was originally positioned appear too far into the center !
Look at the off-set crown as well.

[oradour]

Gents, one the common types of altered/Frankenstein crosses doing the rounds in the past couple of years are the "1870" EK's, where the fraudster uses a genuine WW1 frame and a repro/fake core, some are easy to detect (they leave the marked suspension ring on the frame/solder the frames up badly) others more difficult and need hands on scrutiny and knowledge of the 1870 cross !
Prost ! Steve.