This appears to be 1 piece solid non magnetic. Any reason or rarity on these? no marks on ring or cross. thanks guys in advance

another photo

another view

This one has no center seam around the frame. solid sterling type metal.

Doughboy,

I'm sure you're aware that the majority of original Iron Crosses were built with a frame and an iron/steel and sometimes non-magnetic insert.

Taking into consideration that there are many, many factory-made variants to be found, and not only those, there are also lots of authentic jeweler copies, the lion's share will be of two-piece construction.

I'm sure there may be some legitimate examples of "one-piece" construction out there, but someone with much more experience than myself will have to seriously address that topic.

All I can tell you honestly is that most collectors with a modicum of general experience
will shy away from anything but two-piece examples. I've had several good imperial EK repros over the years and the quality can be most impressive, so do be careful.

Hope an EK specialist can shed more light on this subject for us, that'd be most helpful.

Thanks and best of luck!

Bill

Thanks Bill,
I know where this is comming from and can 120% guarantee originality on this one. I would like someone that is out there to tell me more on this. I examined this VERY closely and see no 2 piece or 3 piece construction. The sides have the cross grain finish all around, and paint loss near the black center and the frame sho no seam. It's appearance and weight and patina suggest silver. The paint barely sticks to the center but is original to the piece. I know the Repro market alittle, BUT guaranteed this came from a NON-collector from a WWII vet and when you buy a trove of WWI and early Bavarian items at the same time trust me I know this is real. but on top of that the look and feel is the best and I just lack the reason at this time. But I do know the collecting circles and how they like to wonder themselves and speculate on everything. BUT if anyone knows please put in your input on this one. Knowledge is what I really want on this. My hunch is Jeweler (wartime) sold these on the side or such. Bill I do thank you for your answer on this topic. Hopefully this will shed light on these crosses for everyone.

Ron,

From the sounds of it I'd say you have an original, too. I wonder how many of these one-piece medals have been dismissed "out-of-hand," as being copies over the years? There must be someone out there who could fill in some of these gray-areas for us - how frequently are they encountered? are there dimensional variations, materials, etc, etc..?

If you have Stephen Previtera's EK book, you'll be pleased to find a photo on page 166 of a hand-held mold for pouring "one-piece" examples.

This topic must have been addressed on other forums somewhere? I'd really enjoy hearing more on this subject myself ... any of you fellas have solid-body EK's that you can share with us? Even if you're a skeptic it'd be great to hear your opinions - thanks!

Bill

Other than to chime in and say it looks well made I can offer no further help at the moment but will look about.

Can you give measurements and or weight?

--dj--Joe

the calipers read 43mm, and the weight is 19.5 grams on the scale.

Ron,

I took a random Imperial EKII without a ribbon, measured and weighed it ...

43mm and just a shade over 17.25 grams. It looks like yours is in the light-heavyweight class.

How about a couple more gents?

Thanks!

Bill

I can't weigh mine but I measured the two I have, 43.something mm. or looks to be 54.5 32nds.

--dj--Joe

Joe,

Thanks for the input, every little bit counts.

I checked out two more that I have and here are those results ...

#2 - 43mm and 18.7 grams

#3 - 43+mm and 17.5 grams

Ron, your heavyweight still seems to be ahead, did you find any more info elsewhere?

Best!

Bill

Probably a spangen stuck for wear on a medal bar. Made by the same maker as this one piece EK1 from the late 20s- early 30s.

This example is 42.5 mm and weighs 17 g's.