New to collecting. Brass Core Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse real or fake?

**Erwin777** · 01-06-2021, 01:51 AM

So I recently purchased a WW2 brass core 1st class iron cross. I was wondering if I could get some seasoned eyes on this piece to help me authenticate it. Its hard to see but there is a clear line along the edges indicating a 3 piece construction. It measures to the right dimensions. The lettering seems accurate. The swastika seems a little larger ever so slightly. I cannot bend it at all. The quality of the detail seems up to par. I just don't know a lot about 1st class iron cross especially these non magnetic core ones you see once in a while. Sorry if the photos suck. My camera is scuffed up and its hard to get good focus. I will gladly upload more if anyone is interested in giving me their 2 cents.

New to collecting. Brass Core Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse real or fake?

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 01-06-2021 01:51 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Willmore** · 01-06-2021, 03:32 AM

Hi Erwin,

I’m not sure on authenticity, but someone will be along shortly to help.

**Erwin777** · 01-06-2021, 03:50 AM

Thank you Willmore. I buy a lot from this dealer and if he is trying to pass fake for real stuff on me then I want to know. I would hate to keep getting fooled otherwise. I knew I was rolling the dice on this one because of the non metallic core at the very least.

**AZPhil** · 01-06-2021, 03:56 AM

Well maybe member Chopperman will chime in.
He is the go to guy for EK's

Semper Fi
Phil

**Erwin777** · 01-06-2021, 04:09 AM

Yeah I'm hoping he does. I've been reading his posts for a long time and he definitely knows his stuff.

**rbminis** · 01-06-2021, 04:42 AM

Welcome to the forum.

It appears to be a Souval frame. I am unaware if they manufactured EK's with brass cores.
It appears more like rust to me. Can you take some photos using more natural light?
Ralph.

P.S. Please read this thread.
The Use of German Terminology.

**Erwin777** · 01-06-2021, 05:06 AM

I took a few more photos under more natural light. I saw your correction and I appreciated it greatly I bookmarked the link you posted. The lamp I was under for the first pictures was very warm lighting I'm sorry about that. I dont know why it keeps rotating every image I upload. They are all normal on my computer, but when I upload images it rotates them. Here is some better lighting and I included a decent flash image as well to capture the texture of the paint and color of the bronze coming through. I'm assuming its bronze.

**rbminis** · 01-06-2021, 05:46 AM

Actually, with your new photos, I believe this one to be a cast copy.
The poor detail of the frame is not what I would expect to see.
Here is an original Souval cross to compare. I'm sure they used more than one type of hardware so, mine may appear different.
Ralph.