Iron Cross 2nd Class 1914, Help?

[KatheBrum]

I know basically zilch about medals, and I was given an iron cross around 6 years ago, and it has just been sitting in my room since.

I'm considering selling it, but I'm not sure where to start, I don't even know if it's real though I was told it is, would anybody be able to help me identify if it is or not? I don't want to end up scamming somebody if it isn't. Also does anyone know what they tend to bring? I don't have any of the documents to go with it unfortunately.

These are some pictures, top with flash, bottom without:


I also have a ribbon but it's pretty frayed, it's black with two white stripes at either side, I presume due to how frayed it is that I should probably throw it away.

Edit: Pictures of the markings on the ring
http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5c3d366e.png
http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/...ps37caee67.png

[Adrian]

I also have a ribbon but it's pretty frayed, it's black with two white stripes at either side, I presume due to how frayed it is that I should probably throw it away.

Noooo!!!!!

Don't throw it away!!!!!! These ribbons are quite rare and even a frayed one will go with a medal somewhere!!!!

Anyway, now that's over with, welcome to the forum.

The EK you show is original. The black frames indicate a high silver content, please don't clean it. The value is about £40 or the €/$ equivalent with the frayed ribbon.

Are there any markings on the large ring?

[KatheBrum]

Noooo!!!!!

Don't throw it away!!!!!! These ribbons are quite rare and even a frayed one will go with a medal somewhere!!!!

Anyway, now that's over with, welcome to the forum.

The EK you show is original. The black frames indicate a high silver content, please don't clean it. The value is about £40 or the €/$ equivalent with the frayed ribbon.

Are there any markings on the large ring?

I guess I'll keep the ribbon then, haha.

I did presume it was real I just wanted to be sure, I have been told never to clean it also so have purposely not done so luckily.

There are some markings on the ring, three very small lines next to each other which are pretty difficult to make out.

Thank you for the help and fast response.

[Adrian]

Can you take any photos of the markings?

[KatheBrum]

Can you take any photos of the markings?

I had a difficult time trying to get my camera to focus, sorry, these are the best I could do:

They're literally just 3 indented lines next to each other.

[Chopperman]

As Adrian has said--The cross is a nice original. It is worth
more with the ribbon even (if the ribbon is in poor condition)
than without.

You might have better look getting close up shots of the
markings by trying a scanner instead of a camera. Most
of the crosses I post are just scans done on my old Epson
flatbed style scanner. It allows for incredible close ups.

You should have little problem selling your cross and for
some reason you do, let us know, someone here would
gladly buy it.

[tempelhof]

i have a feeling with the right pics, someone is going to be able to make out that mark.

anyway, nice original.

[NickM]

In the photo above, it definitely looks like there is an O. In fact it looks almost like upside down LO, even though there were no LO makers.

My likely candidates:
FO Friedrich Orth - although the F is wrong
O Unknown - although doesn't explain the mark alongside
KO Königliches Münzamt Orden - not enough room for the K
Q - Edward Quellhorst, Munchen - doesn't explain the mark alongside

However, I can find reference to an unknown maker who used "UI" which looks to me like what it is.

[KatheBrum]

In the photo above, it definitely looks like there is an O. In fact it looks almost like upside down LO, even though there were no LO makers.

My likely candidates:
FO Friedrich Orth - although the F is wrong
O Unknown - although doesn't explain the mark alongside
KO Königliches Münzamt Orden - not enough room for the K
Q - Edward Quellhorst, Munchen - doesn't explain the mark alongside

However, I can find reference to an unknown maker who used "UI" which looks to me like what it is.

I think you're right, upon re-examining the ring and turning it a little, it does appear to be a UI.

Thank you for your help

[NickM]

No problem. No guarantee I'm right, and it would've been nice to know who UI was, but at least it's something, and maybe just a little more to prove that it's not a fake.