Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1 Klasse mit Schwertern

[jamie7d7]

@saladin and @ spunkmaja

Was browsing today and found this other L15 marked KVK and to me there are similarities to the one I have, the contrast between the pin and the medal would have put me off. See what you think

[rbminis]

@saladin and @ spunkmaja

Was browsing today and found this other L15 marked KVK and to me there are similarities to the one I have, the contrast between the pin and the medal would have put me off. See what you think

The only reason for the contrast is that the medal is made of zinc and has, over time, absorbed the finish that still remains on the pin, hinge and catch.
Ralph.

[jamie7d7]

The only reason for the contrast is that the medal is made of zinc and has, over time, absorbed the finish that still remains on the pin, hinge and catch.
Ralph.

Thanks Ralph, so were all KVK 1's made of zinc compared the 2nd class which were tombak or similar?

I'm still trying to learn about these as they are becoming a favourite of mine and not versed in the materials etc used.

[rbminis]

Thanks Ralph, so were all KVK 1's made of zinc compared the 2nd class which were tombak or similar?

I'm still trying to learn about these as they are becoming a favourite of mine and not versed in the materials etc used.

No, there were tombak examples of both made. Here are a couple of my examples. You should be able to see some difference in them.
Ralph.
Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1.Klasse mit Schwertern, Unmarked
Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1.Klasse mit Schwertern, K & Q, 65
Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1.Klasse mit Schwertern, Wilhelm Deumer, "3"

[jamie7d7]

That's great Ralph, thank you. I've certainly got a lot to learn, even when some guys can tell the different makers from an unmarked award.

And I suppose the different base materials have different effects on the silver wash that the medals are finished with?

I'll have a look later but it'd be a good thing for me to learn which makers of the KVK 1 are best to go for and the differences between each of them.

Oh, I know that the 3rd one you highlighted was from 2015 but there is a dealer selling a boxed KVK 1with swords for 375 euro, is that about 650 canadian dollars? Sheesh!