Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse Double Marked L52 & 20

[Patrick2828]

Dear Gentlemen,

While continuing my search for EK1s, got an offer for 390$ for this one from a German seller.

Description from the seller:
''The iron cross first class 1939 with rare marker 20 and L 52 inside on needle. Producer of the cross was the company Zimmermann in WW II''

I'm a novice, but based on my research, something doesn't seem right. the markings, the hinge, and the pin style were different from a Zimmerman. Gut feeling tells me something about the cross doesn't look crisp but here you can have a look at the photos.

[manclino]

That's right, it's the so-called Stuttgart -fake.
Robert

[Patrick2828]

Thanks for clarifying Robert, didn't know there's a name for it, known as "Stuttgart fake"

[manclino]

I don't know where the name came from. Apparently the first specimens were found in this town. If you look closely, the cross and especially the internal angles of the frame are styled like a Souval frame. But also characteristic core dates. These fakes both occur in first and second class crosses.
Robert