WW I Iron Cross: real or fake?

[Dodger2]

Greetings:

In cleaning out my dad's many collectibles (a really good stamp collection, coins, etc., etc.,) I came across what appears to be a WW I Iron Cross. It has passed the magnetic test. The suspension ring has a maker's mark, but I can't distinguish the letters. Wondering if it's real and if anyone has seen a similar maker's mark. Thanks so much! (BTW, it was in a velvet bag with a Gott Mit Uns belt buckle.)

 

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[Toecutter]

Looks real to me, but I'm no expert...
Awesome piece!!

 

[Inspector Comet]

Looks real to me, but I'm no expert...
Awesome piece!!

What he said!

 

[GoldieLocks]

No, I do not think it is really possible for this to be a war made army thing in the US. It is a German military cross!
See
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Cross

 

[Tony in SC]

A lot of GIs brought German medals home after the wars. I have several.

No, I do not think it is really possible for this to be a war made army thing in the US. It is a German military cross!
See
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Cross

 

[Dodger2]

My hunch is that my dad purchased the Iron Cross (2nd class) at a sale of some sort. No one in my family fought in WWI, so I don't know how it got to the States. I do know that there are lots and lots of Iron Cross's (2nd class) around (just look at eBay!) I did some reading up on the award and tests for authenticity, but I really need an expert evaluation. Will be heading to a larger city soon and will try to find someone who can evaluate the piece. In the meantime, I appreciate all the feedback!

 

[jambone]

I'll agree that it looks real. This page has a list of LDO codes and maker marks - maybe you can find some ideas there. I can't quite read them either, but I think I see a "G" in there.

 

[Retired Sarge]

My hunch is that my dad purchased the Iron Cross (2nd class) at a sale of some sort. No one in my family fought in WWI, so I don't know how it got to the States. I do know that there are lots and lots of Iron Cross's (2nd class) around (just look at eBay!) I did some reading up on the award and tests for authenticity, but I really need an expert evaluation. Will be heading to a larger city soon and will try to find someone who can evaluate the piece. In the meantime, I appreciate all the feedback!

Wehrmacht awards web site can authenticate for you fairly easily.

Main page of the website.

Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums - Powered by vBulletin

WWI, Imperial Militaria section where you would need to post.

Imperial Militaria Forum - Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums

Here's a subsection of the Imperial Militaria section, shows the markings and all of the EK1, lots of excellent information.

Study Of Ekdata Base 1914 - Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums

 

[ToddsPoint]

That EK2 is as good as gold. No doubt about it. I'd guess the mm is KAG, with the "A" distorted. Here's a pic of a KAG cross for comparison. Look closely at the crown shape and also oak leaf shape to ID. Also a poor pic of the KAG mark. I have around 30 1914 EK2's. Gary

 

[Dodger2]

That EK2 is as good as gold. No doubt about it. I'd guess the mm is KAG, with the "A" distorted. Here's a pic of a KAG cross for comparison. Look closely at the crown shape and also oak leaf shape to ID. Also a poor pic of the KAG mark. I have around 30 1914 EK2's. Gary

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Thanks so much! That's very helpful!