War Merit Cross - Authentic?
- travis1945
- Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 05 Aug 2016, 20:15
- Location: USA
War Merit Cross - Authentic?
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.
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks.
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks.
Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?
Looks okay to me, can't tell you the maker though. Stewy
- travis1945
- Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 05 Aug 2016, 20:15
- Location: USA
Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?
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.
Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?
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.
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.
- travis1945
- Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 05 Aug 2016, 20:15
- Location: USA
Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?
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!
- William Kramer
- Host - Militaria sections
- Posts: 2867
- Joined: 27 Oct 2003, 05:48
- Location: Illinois
- Contact:
Re: War Merit Cross - Authentic?
a perfectly good original cross produced in tombak, which is far more scarce than it's zinc counterpart.
William Kramer
William Kramer