War Merit Cross - Authentic?

Discussions on Axis awards and decorations. Hosted by John G & William Kramer.
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travis1945
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War Merit Cross - Authentic?

#1

Post by travis1945 » 05 Aug 2016, 20:29

I bought this War Merit Cross from a friend at a gun show who deals WW2 militaria, some reproduction, mostly authentic. I've been having a difficult time finding research on determining authenticity of this medal so I've included some pictures to get your opinion on if this is legitimate.
Image
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Any help is appreciated!
Thanks.

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stewy
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Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?

#2

Post by stewy » 06 Aug 2016, 17:27

Looks okay to me, can't tell you the maker though. Stewy


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travis1945
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Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?

#3

Post by travis1945 » 06 Aug 2016, 21:02

Thanks. Overall it's in pretty good shape, but I know reproductions are getting hard to tell from the original stuff nowadays. My friend who I purchased it from assured me it was original, but reproductions sometimes fool even the most veteran collectors.

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John G.
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Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?

#4

Post by John G. » 08 Aug 2016, 01:36

Travis,
The Cross itself is original, but the small ring on the top (for the larger ring that the ribbon mounts in) "appears" to be a repaired replacement- looks bright metal, not bronze, and I think I see soder residue/file marks. You should be able to tell for sure with a magnifying glass. The small ring should be the same finish as the cross. Not a big deal, this is the weakest "point" on these... but would effect it's value.

A complete KVK 2nd cl. w/swords is a very common medal.... a complete with ribbon example can be bought for $25./35. retail. This one, even if not repaired, without the ribbon and ring, would be only worth $10. or $15.00 tops.... hope you didn't over pay.
John G.

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travis1945
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Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?

#5

Post by travis1945 » 08 Aug 2016, 10:32

Interesting. Thanks for the useful info! Now I'm even more thankful I didn't overpay too much. I know the guy fairly well, and he is a native German so speaking to him in his native language no doubt helped. He assured me the medal was real, and I paid $15 for it if I remember correctly. Again, thanks for the info!

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William Kramer
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Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?

#6

Post by William Kramer » 13 Aug 2016, 02:52

a perfectly good original cross produced in tombak, which is far more scarce than it's zinc counterpart.

William Kramer

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