Opinions please on this 1939 Eisernes Kreuz EK II

**Shockwave** · 03-12-2023, 02:59 AM

Hoping to get some opinions on this 1939 Eisernes Kreuz EK II. It is advertised as being three piece made and with a magnetic core, no maker's mark visible. Wondering if it looks authentic, or possibly had the core repainted etc. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

Opinions please on this 1939 Eisernes Kreuz EK II

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-12-2023 02:59 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**manclino** · 03-12-2023, 08:25 AM

PKZ 75 as far as the manufacturer is concerned, there are two versions Julius Maurer (Maerz) unknown maker (Bochyński).
Robert

**Adrian** · 03-12-2023, 10:38 AM

Absolutely genuine, the maker as Robert says above. It's a nice piece.

**Shockwave** · 03-12-2023, 10:40 PM

by manclino

PKZ 75 as far as the manufacturer is concerned, there are two versions Julius Maurer (Maerz) unknown maker (Bochyński).
Robert

Thanks for identifying this as PKZ 75. I'm curious what distinguishing features show this? And how can one tell the difference between a Maerz and a Bochyński?

**Adrian** · 03-12-2023, 10:50 PM

It is because the frame characteristics, the date numerals match examples marked '75'. If you are able to access the EK2 database or search for '75' and find a marked example, you will be able to match the characteristics unique to this maker.
The Maerz and Bochyński references are because the author Dietrich Maerz has claimed the maker to be Julius Maurer and Bochyński has called it as an unknown maker.

**Shockwave** · 03-13-2023, 04:56 AM

by Adrian

It is because the frame characteristics, the date numerals match examples marked '75'. If you are able to access the EK2 database or search for '75' and find a marked example, you will be able to match the characteristics unique to this maker.
The Maerz and Bochyński references are because the author Dietrich Maerz has claimed the maker to be Julius Maurer and Bochyński has called it as an unknown maker.

Thanks Adrian. Very helpful. I will be sure to check out the database and do a web search on '75'. I ended up purchasing this one. Looking forward to receiving it.

**manclino** · 03-13-2023, 09:22 AM

by Adrian

It is because the frame characteristics, the date numerals match examples marked '75'. If you are able to access the EK2 database or search for '75' and find a marked example, you will be able to match the characteristics unique to this maker.
The Maerz and Bochyński references are because the author Dietrich Maerz has claimed the maker to be Julius Maurer and Bochyński has called it as an unknown maker.

Great explanation of the topic, Adrian. Thank you.
Robert

**Adrian** · 03-13-2023, 10:06 AM

It will be interesting to see, when you get it in hand, if you can see a gap between frame and core.
It appears that the core has been sprayed after assembly judging by the black over spray on the frame beading.

**Shockwave** · 03-13-2023, 10:43 AM

by Adrian

It will be interesting to see, when you get it in hand, if you can see a gap between frame and core.
It appears that the core has been sprayed after assembly judging by the black over spray on the frame beading.

Would this "over spray" have been a result of the production process or a restoration of the core at a later point?

**Adrian** · 03-13-2023, 10:59 AM

Production process in my opinion.
The cross was assembled and then a template placed on it leaving the core exposed which was sprayed black.
You can see the clear demarcation and sharp lines of the edge of the black spray on the beading.