Thoughts Please on this EK2

[Dennis Redler]

Bought this at a flea market yesterday. Unmarked EK2 with magnetic center. What do you think caused the iron center to be in this condition? It's pitted and has paint loss and the dates are rough with the back one almost eradicated. The center is also loose and "clinks" when I shake it. It was in the pocket of a moth eaten U.S. wool WW2 shirt along with some U.S. collar disks and ribbons. Bought the lot for $15.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Dennis

[John G.]

Looks like it "layed outside" and rusted for a couple years (or heat damaged?) and was cleaned heavily w/chemicals... (not recently dug I would think...). Appears proper iron core, multi-pc. construction, seams well done... so just very abused. (The center core usually "shakes" inside the frame slightly on originals).

Of low value in this condition, but very worthy of "display"... certianly well worth $15.00!
John G.

[Dennis Redler]

Ah, makes sense and probably right. I seem to recall a product call "Naval Jelly", or something like that, to remove rust.
Thank You, John.