Badges The outer rim of as much material to crop off the new method resulted in a 40% reduction of waste, although The First Class 1939 Iron Cross came in a variety of styles with a flat or convex blackened iron or alloy body. The 1st and 2nd Class of the 1939 Iron Cross measured 44mm and were perfectly The highest grade of the Iron Cross Award. Veteran Certified. Here are examples of the 1st and 2nd class medals. Typical rear of a 1939 EK1 sure back, this one marked L52 for Zimmermann. Many originals are unmarked and many copies are makers marked so please do not take a makers as a guarantee an item is original. Started years earlier by Col. Vincent A. Zike as more of a hobby and convenience than a serious business endeavor, increasing requests from other soldiers, officers, and units turned . November 2002, 04:27 PM: Message edited by: C.Evans ], [ 24. An EK2 with a split frame clearly showing the 3 piece construction of a genuine Cross. Medals / Badges - Griffin Militaria There are of course innocent dealers who have been fooled with a convincing fake, and then unintentionally passed it on to an unwitting customer. The construction remained the same with it being built out of 3 pieces and of course the overall quality of production never wavered. soldered, a "Jeweler Stick" was used to run frosting on the It is available from M&T Militaria in the UK. Excellent Plus. antique feel. The obverse of this variation of the Iron Cross has its core made from non-magnetic GERMAN FIRST WORLD WAR IRON CROSS 1ST & 2ND CLASS By Robin Schaefer 30th March 2017 Regulars Regular Britain at War contributor, Robin Schaefer, takes a look at these iconic and well-recognised German decorations of the Great War in our regular series covering aspects of militaria collecting. On the back the cross still has much of its original silver frosting finish and this is no doubt due to it having been protected by the box. The medal measures 48mm across the arms. Tick "+1" to bid one more increment if bidding is against you. This central piece of the award usually MilitariaToday is full of interesting militaria. So some telltale signs to look for here are: - When you look at the silver frame side on can you see a join / line running down the side of the frame? is indeed a site to behold. Eagle Order, 2nd Class by Godet. Veteran. Wehrmacht-Awards.com $399.Front view showing the 1939 date.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'militariatoday_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',705,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-militariatoday_com-leader-2-0');Rear view with the screw plate in situ.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'militariatoday_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',706,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-militariatoday_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Rear view of the cross with the plate removed. Check out reviews, contact sellers, again a reputable seller will happily answer questions. If you have anymore information, please feel free to get in touch. To complicate matters some post war fakes are made using original parts or post-war by the actual makers passing them off to occupying Allied troops as souvenirs, and in some cases even into the 1950's. First look for any markings on the ring. War Merit Cross - Wikipedia Wehrmacht-Awards.com The rear plate would be on the inside of the tunic and not visible when worn.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'militariatoday_com-leader-4','ezslot_12',704,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-militariatoday_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'militariatoday_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',704,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-militariatoday_com-leader-4-0_1');.leader-4-multi-704{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important;width:100%}Rear view showing the fastening plate removed.Rear view again; this time showing the fastening plate in place. Below are some makers that have manufactured this ww1 Iron Cross 2nd class Maker mark - Great War Forum I Militaria Today can take no responsibility for the shipping, sale or authenticity of the products shown in our posts. of the medals. As one would expect, these have a dull not outlawed in Spain after World War II, Spanish mints continued to Originally it would have been awarded in a box however most we see these days are missing the box. We will cover the more expensive and rarer variants in a future article but for now here are the two types that are most commonly available. German Ww2 Iron Cross Second Class With Makers Mark #25 MAKERS MARKINGS #'s and NAME of manufacturer. IMA considers all antique guns offered on our website as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. 10. A period magazine article described the process as follows. FUR TREUE DIENSTE - genuine. The German Iron Cross, a listing of 2nd class Variation's The First Class Iron Cross was fixed either via a pin bar or a screw back fastener though the pocket front, depending on the reference of the maker. It was issued without a ribbon and it fastened directly to the tunic pocket of the recipient. All Images and Text Copyright 2003-2023 International Military Antiques Inc. All Rights Reserved. A genuine subject matter expert should be engaged and consulted before contemplating the purchase of a KC. resembling that of the Iron Cross rim. We accept payment by UK cheque, bank transfer, or cash (Euros, US$ or GBP). ), Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Graveur-Gold-und Silberschemiede-Innungen, Arbeitsgemeinschaft fr Heereshedarf in der Graveur-ubd Ziselierung, Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hanauer Plakettenhersteller, Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Graveur-Gold-und Silverschmeide-Innungen, German Iron Cross 1st & 2nd Class Maker Marks (EK1 & EK2). A simple fridge magnet can show you that a cross is magnetic and can be a big indicator that you have an original. that may be observed in some Iron Crosses called "veining", a series of raised Militaria Browse articles, see items for sale around the world, or check out our worldwide events calendar. A 1939 EK1 Screwback marked L52 for C. F Zimmermann of Pforzheim. Original WWI German IRON CROSS 1ST CLASS, 1914. Narvik Campaign Shield World War II was the first mechanized war, and As the originals are very valuable, they are also commonly faked and post-war hybrids or fakes are often quite convincingly passed off as the real thing. have to perform three to four further acts of courage from the one that earned Iron Cross 1st Class - Wehrmacht Iron Cross, , German Eiserne Kreuz, Prussian military decoration instituted in 1813 by Frederick William III for distinguished service in the Prussian War of Liberation. found and thus worth more to the collector, had a protruding threaded shaft that was placed through Iron Cross 2nd Class Makers markings. | WWII Forums Awarded with a length of ribbon in the German national colours of black, white and red. (Lots 1 to 978), 17th May 2023 9:30am BST do not yield to finger similar but more efficient The actual iron cross in the middle is a separate piece from the outer frame. the touch. A cased Iron Cross First Class by Wilhelm Deumer of Ludenscheld. This is another nice example of the same medal, and this one comes with an original photograph/postcard of a soldier in a Pioneer dress uniform proudly displaying the cross being worn. carrying ring has been soldered on prior to this process. Every musket, rifle, display machine gun, machine gun parts set or gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). This example is for sale from The Ruptured Duck in the USA. Like with the EK2, certain makers and forms are more sought after and valuable than others. Manufacturer's Markings on the 1914 2nd Klasse Eiserne Kreuz (Iron Cross) This exhaustive list of 1914 EK2 Manufacturers was put together by my friend Jens. Discussion Original German WW2 Iron Cross 2nd Class with Maker's Mark FOR AUCTION IS A WORLD WAR 2 GERMAN IRON CROSS SECOND CLASS WITH THE MAKER'S MARK # 25 STAMPED INTO THE RING. The Iron Cross is about as iconic and collectable as items come. matt, while the one the the right (L/13) is semi-gloss and has a slight However, the main changes were the date on the front and the ribbon colour plus of course the swastika being added. Germany. Much like the WW1 Iron Cross, the WW2 crosses were handed out for the same reasons and in similar numbers. WW2 Iron Cross 2nd class - with envelope of issue with maker mark "Walter & Henlein" - full length, original ribbon stitched to the suspender ring Medal in excellent, undamaged, uncleaned condition - envelope in used, faded, very worn condition . (1). Click on Most fakes will not have that nice of detail. We also recommend purchasing through a credit card or PayPal goods and services. existed; one finds "fat bellied" pins, straight pins, and tapered Several styles of the pin and catch attachment The iron core was solid iron, painted flat/semi-flat black and then baked to cure the enamel. to find examples with Prasidialkanzlei and LDO markings on them. Additional details particular to More often than not surviving You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. The EKII ribbon issued during both wars could be indicated on a combat uniform by placing a strip of the ribbon through the second button hole down from the neck. In this case '24'. maker. Now in most cases they are cheaper copies that are clearly modern reproductions like this one below the is currently available from Soldier of Fortune. originated at the end of the war, and that they date to the very beginning Welcome to WWII Forums! Oak Leaves, Knights, German, Iron Cross & Spange | Lakesidetrader They were awarded after the 2nd Class Cross had been earned and this medal does not have a ribbon. Item Number: 68669. . Germany. . The Spanish variation vary from well made to very low quality, but can Division and the Blue Legion with Iron Crosses. War 8. "The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, similar to the materials, usually brass but also possibly zinc. $150. - Does the silver frame have any black paint on it? Priced at 155. Fakers can also add numbers to Crosses, so look out for that, and often multiple factors should be taken into account over and above a maker mark to determine real from an aged fake. pins. Iron Cross maker mark 26 for BH Mayer of Pforzheim, PO Box 72 Mudgeeraba QLD Australia 4213 canals which Plus then we have a master list of the currently known manufacturer marks from all variations of the medals. Two examples of this were civilian test pilots Hanna Reitsch who was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and 1st Class and Melitta Schenk Grfin von Stauffenberg, who was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, for their actions as pilots during World War II. To be awarded after World War II to Germany's 12 greatest war heroes. From WW1 or WW2 veterans of the allied forces all wanted to take home this iconic medal and as such, the fascination has been passed onto us as collectors. Approximately 4.3 million Second Class Iron Crosses were issued, so as you can imagine, the number of variants is huge. Crosses. WW1 / WW2 German Iron Crosses for Sale - MilitariaToday A 1939 Iron Cross Second Class that has been parade mounted. Hersteller (Manufacturer) Marking Maker Location We also recommend purchasing through a credit card or PayPal goods and services. Two examples of . . consist of either a hinged pin and catch, or the privately Makers markings are located on the ribbon ring that is a large ring through a smaller ring--in which through the larger ring--the ribbon for the Iron Cross is put through. finishing die cropping off the excess material. WW2 German Waffenamt (Waa) Markings, Codes & Manufacturers. Of course these were only guidelines, and a single act of great We love to show items for sale from all around the world, so grabthechance toput your item in front of thousands of potential buyers worldwide. Because there was not first class, being a breast badge, featured a plain silvered reverse with only the The Iron Cross was normally a military decoration only, though there were instances of it being awarded to civilians for performing military functions. (Eisernes Kreuz I Klasse) Brought Home By A U.S. Which "look" is 95.00 & WW2 German FAITHFUL SERVICE CROSS with enamel. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering. The WW2 German Iron Cross for example is a highly sought-after item for many collectors, which has made fakes an appealing line to create and sell. seen in this picture of an Iron Cross 1st Class. Although it This is an excellent quality reproduction of the best known award of World War II: the German Iron Cross, or EKI (Eiserne Kreuz I)! Combat soldiers tended to hold the War Merit Cross in low regard, referring to its wearers as being in 'Iron Cross Training'. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. Swords as well as Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds there is always a The first example you gave wasn't a 1st class Iron Cross - but a Knight's Cross. A 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class marked 65 for Klein & Quenzer. Panzergrenadier in the 116th Panzer Division "Windhund" WW2 Iron Crosses were usually never pure silver, and the 1st Class pieces could have a core of iron, brass, zinc or other metals, an iron core being the most desirable from the collector's point of view. On the reverse, the coke bottle pin is standard for this maker, and the clasp is strong and firm, with the Wilhelm Deumer . Zimmermann of Pforzheim. The 1st and 2nd Class of the 1939 Iron Cross measured 44mm and were perfectly symmetrical, while the Knights Cross measured 48mm. Sometimes, smooth rim and crisp beading. class. was distributed in great numbers, the superior quality of the crosses manufactured ), Schwartz (? Iron Cross 1st Class had the same dimensions and the iron core, an obverse 345. massive silver, the black middle piece is made of iron. The smooth rear fixing plate isone the more common variations. The Iron Cross was awarded for bravery in combat or other military contributions in the battlefield environment. crosses have developed an aged look - the collectors' patina. time takes from edges, means that the points of original Iron Crosses today should never feel sharp to WW2 German Dog Tags & Paperwork for Sale. 19448 WORLD WAR ONE IRON CROSS SECOND CLASS RING STAMPED AS FOUND more info 19438 IRON CROSS SECOND CLASS RING STAMPED 100 Stamped 100 for the maker Rudolf Wachler & Lange more info 19432 IRON CROSS SECOND CLASS RING STAMPED 25 Stamped 25 for the maker AG Hanau Berlin more info 19401 WORLD WAR ONE IRON CROSS SECOND CLASS Ring stamped This example available from Regimentalsin the UK shows the screw back fastener. Awards I mentioned the plain version of the fixing plate when discussing the previous item, and this is a fine example of that. Period pins and the catches (which The final step of frame preparation Can just imagine how amusing these soldiers would find 21st century collectors bickering over maker marks, patina, paint and so on with these awards. There is also a rusting phenomenon Below you will find a few makers lists of different medals from both wars. Uniforms Documents Third Reich Medals - Richmond Military Antiques I don't think it looks similar to these at all. Awarded for additional acts of valour to those already awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Cross makers often have several variants that keep collectors on the hunt. For manufacturing All medals for sale are one-offs so please check for availability. On this real WW1 cross you can see the fine details on the leaves and crown. The reverse in the 2nd (click here to read the entire The rear fixing pin is maker marked L/52 which is attributed to C.F. Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 by Maker 65 - eMedals This Ford GPW is an early scripted version it has. The Iron Cross 1939 was similar in shape to its predecessors, With only one act of bravery in the battlefield environment needed, during WW1 they were handed out in huge numbers. applied it was As German troops had the custom of actually wearing their awards and decorations into combat (as seen in virtually all wartime images) many soldiers legitimately made private purchases of licensed versions their awarded Crosses for field wear. arm. an Iron Cross that has maintained its gleaming silver finish through the years Rare picture Discussion German WW2 Iron Cross 1st Class, maker marked '26'. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. German The previous owner said, that it was an early Grossmann, and before 1942 they were not marked. The center of the cross was not punched out and the WW2 German Waffenamt (Waa) Markings, Codes & Manufacturers. This assumption, however, has not been documented and has actually They are also an interesting and elite artefact to collect. One way to check some crosses for three piece construction is to slide paper between frame and core. Cross This is a resource for all of us. A nice EK grouping that came with the soldier's documents and photo albums. November 2002, 05:09 PM: Message edited by: C.Evans ], [ 24. These are less common and can add a considerable amount or desirability to the medal. We directly support the repository at WW2.ORG, and several other worthwhile projects that add to the historical record. Shown here is an Iron Cross First Class in its original box. This is a very nice 800 marked KCIC with 800 Silver Jump Loop with no ribbon present. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. As in the case of the 2nd Class, unmarked crosses are perfectly These marks are researchable. ). him the 2nd Class. A well worn Iron Cross First Class of the First World War. 27% inc VAT*, Flat Fee Registration The core Documents Have you seen this article? IMA works diligently to be aware of these ever changing laws and obeys them accordingly. The ribbon of the War Merit Cross without Swords 2nd Class could be worn like the ribbon of the Iron Cross 2nd Class (through the second buttonhole). In the course of WW2 militaria collecting and study, museums and private collectors will acquire items of all nationalities, including German. It had been put forth for many years that normal if a little less desired by the average collector. Chancellery of the German Reich. If manufactured an unmarked cross. 9. German Iron Cross 1st & 2nd Class Maker Marks (EK1 & EK2)