Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse 1939 Karl Hensler

[Chrish124]

Hello All,

One of my recent acquisitions. An unmarked Iron Cross, that came in a Carl Hensler packet. Some collectors feel that Karl Hensler didn't make EK2's, but the packets do exist. Mario Alt has them in his book in the section about EKII packets without known crosses connected to them. Typically EKII packets with no crosses known for that maker can be due to the fact that the maker is a distributer, and simply distributes crosses made by others. However as another member on this forum has a Karl Hensler packet, with what appears to be the same Iron Cross, it may actually be a Karl Hensler EKII. To be clear, this is does not settle the issue, but it is strong evidence.

Analyzing the cross, it is very finely made. Dates and Swastika are very standard looking without any numbers that stand out. The beading has some notable features however. There is some bridging on the top row of beading. On the right inner beading corner the gap between the first and second bead is wide, compared to the others. The right arm, outer, lower beading corner appears as if it was polished down. The patina is intact, so this indicates that it came that way from the factory. The jump right is not attached on one side, but it is clear that is a result from damage. The jump ring is very tight around the suspension ring, so it easily could have exerted pressure on the jump ring and popped it off on one side.

When comparing it to the other member's possible Karl Hensler Cross, the dates and swastika are the same, but are sharper on his then on mine. In line with that the other member's cross does not have the bridging die flaw on the top beading, indicating mine may have been later manufacture, if in fact they are the same. Oddly, the other members cross also has the worn down outer beading corner, but on a different corner, the bottom arm, right outer corner.

Width: 43.91mm
Height: 44.19mm
Thickness: 4.40mm
Weight: 19.14
Core: Ferrous Metal
Jump Ring Thickness: 1.31mm
Suspension Ring Thickness: 1.71mm
Ribbon: Does not glow under black light

Pictures on the next Post

[Chrish124]