Dug Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse - Thoughts Please

[Simon127]

Hello all,

I have recently come by this example of a battlefield recovered Eiserenes Kreuz 1. Klasse. I have long wanted a nice example of one of these and thought this one could be a goer.

This one appears to be an all brass example owing to the fact that the centre shows a greenish shade and has not corroded in the way that iron would. However, I'm hoping the more knowledgable out there might be able to advise further on this.

It seems that many examples like this turn up in this type of condition and I don't really have a particular reason to be sceptical. However, my engagement with collecting militaria has told me to 'suspect everything', so I'm asking you good people!

Best,

Simon

[rbminis]

I suggest you save the photo in a larger size and repost.
Not much can be told by these photos.
Ralph.

[Simon127]

Thanks Ralph. I have tried to resize the original two images, but it seems to compromise the clarity quite significantly. I'm working from dealer photos and they're not the best...

I have attached a copy of a couple more which I've tried to improve the clarity of, but I appreciate that they're not super clear.

If anyone can offer any advice or info, I'd be very grateful.

Best wishes,

Simon

[Luftwaffe 1941]

Hmm. I've had a few ground dug examples pass through my collection before, and they were all in a different condition then yours. But I suppose that doesn't mean much as ground conditions can vary vastly. I will say this is the first time I've seen such an overwhelming amount of green corrosion on one though.

I personally think it's fine, but lets wait for more members to chime in.

[Simon127]

Thanks Jarret. I think the green verdigris is due to it being a brass construction example, but I too would like to hear from other collectors on this. There's all sorts of stuff that comes out of the East nowadays: relic helmets with repro SS decals grafted on, original identity discs with fake stamps applied to the uncorroded areas etc. I always feel safer with some advice from the community.

Best,

Simon

[Rosenberg]

Hello, as a welding specialist I can confirm that brass and copper in connection with water lead to corrosion, which is called verdigris. According to this appearance it must have been in a damp ground for at least 50 years to have this development ..........