New Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse - 24 AG Hanau

[Martin3]

Hi All,

Here's a recent arrival: an unmarked Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse, with all the characteristics of maker 24, Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hanauer Plakettenhersteller, Hanau am Main.

Maerz & Alt were a bit more hesitant in their book, to assign these 100% sure to AG H and labeled it as the Unknown Maker 24, but I think it is a quite safe assumption.
Of course, I do understand you have to be careful when drawing conclusions in a high-end reference work.

This one is worn and the owner bent it a little too convexly, leaving the inner corners raised and the frame seams open at several spots. But as you don't exactly stumble over these, I was happy it was offered to me and I guess it will not fall apart the next 150 years.

Hope you like it!

Martin

[manclino]

The only thing that worries me is the cross pin. Its shape and length deviate from the classic pins used in these crosses (Maerz/Stimson page 400-405). Perhaps the cross was repaired and the pin was replaced.
Robert

[Adrian]

Original and nicely vaulted cross. I'm with Robert, the pin is completely unlike anything that is usually found on these. A round section of metal pressed and filed flat to fit the hinge, looks like a definite replacement. Replacement pins don't bother me if done well and likely period, shows the award was worn and the owner took care to preserve it.

[Martin3]

Yes, indeed! I didn't pay too much attention to the hardware, but indeed the shown needles in the books and online are from the belly-type. Or coke-bottle, whatever alias is preferred.
This one has a small belly but is far more tapered, I guess. If it is replaced, it looks to me as a wartime job. I can't open the cross for details as the C-hook is rather clenched, and I don't want to force it. Sharp eyes, gentlemen! As Adrian said: good to know, but not a showstopper for me. For this moment I am happy with it!