Imperial Eks

[Chopperman]

Something that has always puzzled me is the award criteria for the non-combattant EK which is manifest in the reversal of the balack and white stripes of the EKII ribbon.

I mentioned this in the recent thread concerning Rabbis in the German Army of WWI who seem to be wearing the standard EKII ribbon.

Can anyone explain the criteria for the non-combattant EK award?

I hate to admit it but when I read this, I did not have a good reply.
It dawned on me that I also didn't understand much about the non-com Ek2.

So I asked someone who has probably seen more original Ek documents then anyone
I know and is currently writing a book on the subject.

His answer to me was---
"Basic run down for 1914 cross non combattants ...
1) Anyone serving outside the borders of Germany, Clerics, medics, mechanics,
railwaymen, Govt officials... received a black ribbon. Whether under fire or not.
2) Govt officials, doctors ect within the borders of Germany got the white ribbon.
3) Military men within the borders of Germany, having done some meritoris MILITARY
service (no real bravery)could also get a black ribboned cross for service on the home front.

So a white ribboned cross was an official, doctor, ect working inside Germany."

Thanks very much to Chris for his help with this.

[rbminis]

I recently made some new display frames with the intention of putting my WW I Ek II's in one of them. I put a few other items up on my wall the other day as well so I took a few photos. Here is my collection of Imperial EK II's.
Ralph.




The other items I put up including my Imperial EK I's.



Sorry for the lack of detail on this one.

[rbminis]

So a white ribboned cross was an official, doctor, ect working inside Germany."

I now have one of these on the way.
Ralph.

[GeneralPutnam]

My loose EK 2's

[Watchdog]

I now have one of these on the way.
Ralph.

Many thanks for the info Greg , I wasn't being ungracious I just didn't see the reply when it was posted for some reason, I must pay more attention!

I am a fan of the Imperial EK in the context of later WWII service by WWI vets and I must say that many Imperial crosses do seem to have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

I am sure I have posted my "white ribbon" here before but it's not where I thought so here is a side by side comparison.



Regards

Mark

[Chopperman]

GP--
That's a nice bunch of Ek2s.

[Miro]

Not everyday to see - decent EK2 to EK1 1870 conversion. Very nice jeweler´s work with lot of outstanding details. What is most interesting, conversion was made with parts (hinge, pin and catch) similar or identical to early awarded EK1 1870: Simple tubular hinge, thin pin tapered at the end and "C" catch from rounded wire.

[Chopperman]

That is a great looking cross. Very clean and crisp core details.

I have seen this cross before but I can not say for sure where.

[Miro]

I have seen this cross before but I can not say for sure where.

Bene Merenti, maybe?

[Chopperman]

Nothing real special here but It's been a month sense anyone has posted on this
thread so I thought I might post my only Ek purchase of the winter.

I bought it off ebay for a very reasonable price and today when I opened
the mail, I was happy to see that the button was made of silver and stamped 800
and while looking a bit beat up is really just where the paint has come off
the solid silver cross.