RobRoy Posted May 15, 2023 Share Posted May 15, 2023 Hi everybody, While my account gets accepted, I figured I would just open the thread. I have recently bought a WW2 iron cross, 1st class, and I would like to hear if you think it is real or not. It is labelled '51' in the middle of the pin, on the backside. Generally, the black finish in the front looks very nice, so I am thinking it must be fake, since an almost 80-year-old medal cannot be this nice. Also, the black paint at the front has 'splashed' a bit onto the 'beads' surrounding the black core (see the last link), and I assume the Germans would not be so sloppy . It is not magnetic (tested with refrigerator magnet), and the size is roughly 44.8mm wide and 44.7mm tall. I could not figure out how to just upload a picture, while creating the thread, so I uploaded them on ImgBB and here are the links: https://ibb.co/7Jcm4RM https://ibb.co/Yt9rVXh https://ibb.co/2gcSDNj https://ibb.co/nBhD5p1 https://ibb.co/mRrCX1r https://ibb.co/C5W31xJ Hope you have a moment to help . Best regards 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny Andrew Posted May 15, 2023 Share Posted May 15, 2023 Hi Rob, you are now a member so will be able to post pictures. I will post the pictures for you as links can disappear over time. Unfortunately the cross is a copy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobRoy Posted May 15, 2023 Author Share Posted May 15, 2023 Hi Kenny, Thanks for a quick reply, and posting my pictures. Sad to hear the cross is not real, even though I was expecting it. Could you give any insights on what what the give away was? Is there something obvious, which could be nice to know for another time? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny Andrew Posted May 15, 2023 Share Posted May 15, 2023 Hi Rob, just the basic construction, the quality is not there, the maker mark also looks like S1 rather than 51 which would be the maker mark for Eduard Goriach & Sohne, Gablonz/N who unfortunately did not make First class Iron crosses. I believe these crosses are coming out of Poland. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobRoy Posted May 15, 2023 Author Share Posted May 15, 2023 Hi Kenny, Thanks for your thoughts, I can definitely see it now, with the S1, amazing I did not notice that before.. The thought of owning a real cross has now been stuck with me, since I bought this one, so I will properly see my self trying to buy another (hopefully a real one :-)) at some point. If you have any recommendations for any trusted auction houses/places to buy such items then I am all ears. Or if you have any tips on how to avoid being fooled once again at the local garage sale. Thanks again for your time. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny Andrew Posted May 16, 2023 Share Posted May 16, 2023 Hi Robb, keep an eye on my website, I don't have any at the moment but we usually have them in stock and all have a life time guarantee www.treasurebunker.com 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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