Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse L15 Friedrich Orth. Floch or Genuine?

[KMcollector]

Here is a EK.1 I picked up from my dealer not too long ago. It was being sold as a Otto Schinkle for about $350, which Schinkles go for more than that. The cross isn't a Otto Schinkle but Friedrich Orth. There is a common confusion of the makers mark L/15 (Otto Schinkle) and L15 (Friedrich Orth). But even after determining the maker, there are the Floch fakes which are complicated too. So, did i get Floched or do I have a genuine Friedrich Orth EK.1.

[rbminis]

Hello and welcome to the forum!
I have moved your thread to the correct section of the forum.

I have also renamed your thread. Please read this thread.
The Use of German Terminology.

Ralph.

[thecyclist64]

The hinge and catch assembly do not look typical for a Floch. Others more qualified than I will tell you if the piece is real or not.

[KMcollector]

Thank you! I'll read up on the German Term. later.

[oberhaig]

To my eye it does not follow the Floch traits- It has no lines on the rear - no cut out by the top of the pin and a catch that is apparent in originals - the 1939 also is not low, as in the Floch's. - the L15 is nice and crisp - also there does not appear to be any overlapping on the corner ribs
I would give it a thumbs up, but wait for other opinions - someone else might spot something I've missed

Regards Bob
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Ut Diu Ut Permanere

[KMcollector]

It's quite well made too. Not just curled up into a circle like on many. Thanks for the info.

[KMcollector]

To my eye it does not follow the Floch traits- It has no lines on the rear - no cut out by the top of the pin and a catch that is apparent in originals - the 1939 also is not low, as in the Floch's. - the L15 is nice and crisp - also there does not appear to be any overlapping on the corner ribs
I would give it a thumbs up, but wait for other opinions - someone else might spot something I've missed

Regards Bob
-----------------------------------------------
Ut Diu Ut Permanere

Thanks Bob for the information. You have really put a good reliable statement. Much thanks.

[raz]

You should research your cross and after research if you are satisfied that is all that matters . IMO there is some controversy on them ( L15 ) to spend a lot of money . Your cross does seem to have the Orth frame and core but marked L15 not 15 so most experts ( Maerz & Stimson -The Iron cross 1. class ) seem to believe they are post war made with original parts .Hope this doesn't muddy the water to much . Also on another forum a L15 cross came up 2days ago and is a floch fake and almost everyone said L/15 good - L15 not good . Hope this helps

Dennis

[KMcollector]

You should research your cross and after research if you are satisfied that is all that matters . IMO there is some controversy on them ( L15 ) to spend a lot of money . Your cross does seem to have the Orth frame and core but marked L15 not 15 so most experts ( Maerz & Stimson -The Iron cross 1. class ) seem to believe they are post war made with original parts .Hope this doesn't muddy the water to much . Also on another forum a L15 cross came up 2days ago and is a floch fake and almost everyone said L/15 good - L15 not good . Hope this helps

Dennis

I disagree. Your statement on the frame is wrong. Orths have a small feature that make them different from any other EK.1 maker.

I'll also say how a lot of the old collectors which are probably the ones saying this, say statements off their biases on a lot on these things like this rather than their knowledge. Best regards

[raz]

Reread my post , I agree it has the original frame and core of a Orth cross believed to be put together post war . The L15 maker mark w/o the / is what calls this cross into question IMO . Orth used ( L/14 ) or ( 15 ) - Schickle used ( L/15 ) . Regardless not mine so . The old collectors ( I'm only 69 ) wrote a 600 page book on it . The Iron Cross 1. Class in 2010 , it is a good read . Don't shoot the messenger just trying to help . Hope they don't mind .



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