Iron Cross

Discussions on Axis awards and decorations. Hosted by John G & William Kramer.
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Stefan Andersson
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Location: Katrineholm

Iron Cross

#1

Post by Stefan Andersson » 08 Sep 2019, 10:23

Should really appreciate help with these ones....
Original or fake.... If fake please, motivate why so I have a chance to learn....
Sorry for bad pictures....

Best,
Stefan
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John G.
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Re: Iron Cross

#2

Post by John G. » 08 Sep 2019, 15:11

Stefhan,
Both Iron Crosses appear to be original, but hard to be 100% sure as they do make excellent fakes. Hands on is necessary for some items, even digital photos can not be enough....

Wish I could be more help.... But EKs can be tricky.
John G.


Stefan Andersson
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Posts: 17
Joined: 02 Jan 2005, 22:33
Location: Katrineholm

Re: Iron Cross

#3

Post by Stefan Andersson » 08 Sep 2019, 15:25

Thank you very much for your answer, John G.
I really appreciate it!

Best,
Stefan

Carlosdebelen2
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Location: UAE

Re: Iron Cross

#4

Post by Carlosdebelen2 » 08 Sep 2019, 15:32

Hello guys

Mind if I get your opinion on my iron cross?

All I know core is iron.

However, I havent seen markings on it like stefans cross

Appreciate feedback
IMG-20190908-WA0010.jpg
IMG-20190908-WA0015.jpg

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John G.
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Re: Iron Cross

#5

Post by John G. » 08 Sep 2019, 17:29

Carlosdebelen2,
Your Iron Cross looks fine also, being unmarked is not unusual, and being marked is no guarantee of originality.
Better to start a new thread than add onto someone elses.
John G.

Carlosdebelen2
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Location: UAE

Re: Iron Cross

#6

Post by Carlosdebelen2 » 08 Sep 2019, 17:33

Thanks again John.

Will do with the thread. Sorry for the intrusion

Carlos

268363
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Joined: 31 Aug 2007, 15:51
Location: Adelaide

Re: Iron Cross

#7

Post by 268363 » 29 Apr 2020, 14:01

The 333 marked Iron Cross is more than likely a fake . No manufacturer that Im aware of was allotted the PZK number 333 . Correct me if Im wrong.

Fortresseurope
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Joined: 09 Apr 2020, 15:04
Location: Holland

Re: Iron Cross

#8

Post by Fortresseurope » 16 May 2020, 20:45

333 is a known fake .

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Cantankerous
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Re: Iron Cross

#9

Post by Cantankerous » 22 May 2020, 23:38

Why did the Germans modify the Iron Cross emblem in the last two years of World War I to make it a straight-armed cross?

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Mark in Cleveland, Tn.
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Re: Iron Cross

#10

Post by Mark in Cleveland, Tn. » 23 May 2020, 01:02

They did'nt,you thinking of some other cross

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Cantankerous
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Re: Iron Cross

#11

Post by Cantankerous » 29 Jul 2020, 03:57

Mark in Cleveland, Tn. wrote:
23 May 2020, 01:02
They did'nt,you thinking of some other cross
Here's a link to give you background on the origin of the Iron Cross:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Cros ... oss_emblem

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Dwight Pruitt
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Re: Iron Cross

#12

Post by Dwight Pruitt » 31 Jul 2020, 05:37

Cantankerous wrote:
22 May 2020, 23:38
Why did the Germans modify the Iron Cross emblem in the last two years of World War I to make it a straight-armed cross?
Are you referring to the switch from a cross pattee to the Balkenkreuz as an aircraft recognition symbol? If so, it was felt that the straight armed Balkenkreuz was easier identified from a distance.

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Cantankerous
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Re: Iron Cross

#13

Post by Cantankerous » 06 Aug 2020, 02:13

Dwight Pruitt wrote:
31 Jul 2020, 05:37
Cantankerous wrote:
22 May 2020, 23:38
Why did the Germans modify the Iron Cross emblem in the last two years of World War I to make it a straight-armed cross?
Are you referring to the switch from a cross pattee to the Balkenkreuz as an aircraft recognition symbol? If so, it was felt that the straight armed Balkenkreuz was easier identified from a distance.
Yes. I just read on Wikipedia that the Germans adopted the Balkenkreuz for their aircraft a week before the Red Baron was shot down. Note that the arms of the 1918 Balkrenkreuz were thinner than those of the WW2-era Balkenkreuz.

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William Kramer
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Re: Iron Cross

#14

Post by William Kramer » 07 Oct 2020, 16:27

The "333" marked Iron Cross 2nd class is a known reproduction however the first class appears to be a nice BH Mayer.

William Kramer
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http://Wehrmacht-Militaria.com

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