1914 Eiserne Kreuze II. Klasse

**Wilko** · 12-05-2020, 01:00 PM

After a pause in my collecting this year I have brought a couple of knew crosses. One is very well used and has had a bit of a hard life and is marked very faint as a KO. I may show that one later.

This one however is in great condition with a beautiful core. It is maker marked but is poorly stamped and I am having difficulty in deciphering it. It's had me scratching my head for a couple of days now and every time I think I have it something else comes to mind, it's just not clear enough. The dealer thought it could be GWL but on closer inspection I can't seen that. I do see JWS or WuS but then I look closer and can't be sure.

Anyway, I love this cross and hope you do too. It is up there in my top 10 that I own, just need to maker now.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 12-05-2020 01:00 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 12-05-2020, 01:37 PM

A very nice example, and as I look at it I'm glancing to my right, where I have a framed WW1 trio (with EK) on my wall. They are wonderful crosses, and I much prefer them to the TR versions.

Cheers,
Steve

**Chopperman** · 12-05-2020, 02:43 PM

Ken,
That's a really good looking cross. Not sure you'll ever know for
sure who the maker is but I think that you might be right in thinking
that it's a poorly marked "WuS"

**jamie7d7** · 12-05-2020, 02:48 PM

Lovely crosses Ken

**Wilko** · 12-05-2020, 03:02 PM

Thank you Steve, Greg and Jamie.

As soon as I saw this one I knew it was a keeper.

Greg,
The mark is never going to give up it's secret as you say but WuS is the closest match.

Ken

**toot** · 12-05-2020, 04:06 PM

a great piece.

**rbminis** · 12-05-2020, 04:26 PM

A beautiful cross Ken!

I see some similarities to a Wilm, but I see some differences as well.
Congrats on adding such a nice example to your collection!
Ralph.

**Wilko** · 12-05-2020, 04:46 PM

Thank you Ralph,

When I get some more time I will really try and nail the maker down by looking through my other crosses and the many threads on here. A challenge for when I'm not at work and have the time.

Ken

**Chopperman** · 12-05-2020, 05:20 PM

This core was used by WuS, JWS, S-W & Wilm
Probably some others as well.

**buellmeister** · 12-10-2020, 01:27 PM

Ken,

I must commend you that after a bit of a collecting hiatus, you scored a couple of beautiful crosses! The cores and frames are stunning!
Welcome back my friend!

Regards,

Joel