Rare Eisernes Kreuz 2 Klasse HB

[thecyclist64]

Good afternoon everybody. Just been shopping and picked up this little beauty. Last year, I asked the question regarding the rarest of imperial EK II's. Greg responded with a list, which can be seen in post #16 on the link below.

This one is by the unknown manufacturer HB. It appears to have been painted, but I think this was done in period as there is no paint overspill on the frame that one would normally find with a re-painted cross. Interesting to note the slanting font in the 19 on the 1914. The ribbon is also period, which is a bonus.

One down, six to go.

Eisernes Kreuz 2 Klasse MM R SCH

[VtwinVince]

That's a nice example, congrats.

[Chopperman]

Very nice find. Congratulations.

You're putting a lot of faith into that old list.
I would like to hear Ken and Joel's thought on which ones are the toughest to find.

[MAP]

Very nice looking Cross

[Wilko]

A very nice looking cross indeed.

Having refreshed my mind of the list that Greg posted in one of my old threads, I would agree that those on Greg's list are not often seen maker marked EKIIs. I have seen a few HB marked crosses with this core but not very often. I do have 2 HB EKIIs with different cores one of which I've only ever seen once for sale and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time for that one.

The hardest marks I've found so far to add to my collection have been:-

B (This one I've only ever seen once)
ED
JWS (I have an unmarked one so still have to find this mark)
(+M+) (I think I've only seen this mark once or twice personally)
M M
RW
R SCH
V (this mark I've only seen a couple of times so far)
LV (with a number do not show up very often)


Ones I've not seen yet are
PS (Not seen this mark yet)
KP (The only one I've seen close to this mark turned out to be a mis - struck KO on studying it)

I am of course basing this list purely on my collecting experience and welcome others to add comments on this list.

I decided to centre my collecting on Imperial EKII's a while ago now and I am always actively looking for new ones to add.

I hope you don't mind my adding a pic or two of the marks I've rarely seen.

I hope this is of some help
Ken

[buellmeister]

Your cross is a stunner, lovely acquisition!

Regards,

Joel

[thecyclist64]

The dealer I bought this one from also had a "V", but it wasn't on Greg's list, so I didn't buy it . Maybe next time. He doesn't have a website, so I might get lucky. Thanks to everyone for your comments. Thanks for the updated list Ken, it will give me more options in the future