1813 Eisernes Kreuz 2nd Klasse

[MAP]

This is the second of three awards and may be the best of the group but I do have one more very special Pilots badge to show

With thanks to a good friend, I was offered this badge moments after walking into the Max Show this year and had seconds to decide whether to part with much of my Max Show budget before I even got to walk the aisles. Obviously, I didn't turn it down.

Here is an excellent condition1813 EK2 with great patina and a beautiful minty core. It was made in the mid 1830's at Gleiwitz. Although from the 1830's, these are offical awards and not "replacement" or "private purchase" examples. Many soldiers had to wait over 20 years to be recieve the actual medals they were awarded during the war. Sadly, but not surprising, this example does not have an original silk ribbon but I will keep my eyes open for one.

In paraphrasing from Stephen Previtera's excellent book (Iron Times), most 1813 crosses seen today are from this era with estimates of approx 7k produced. These crosses typically have better casting, crisper details and smoother cores. Overall less than 17k EK2's were awarded

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

 

[John Josef]

Congratulations Mike

Did you happen to stop by and talk to Stephen he was set up at the show, such a great guy.

I was able to say hi and talk with him for a bit, he is always so friendly and willing to share his expertise. Not an ounce of ego I might add.

MFG John Josef

 

[MAP]

Congratulations Mike

Did you happen to stop by and talk to Stephen he was set up at the show, such a great guy.

I was able to say hi and talk with him for a bit, he is always so friendly and willing to share his expertise. Not an ounce of ego I might add.

MFG John Josef

Thanks!. Yes I had the pleasure of seeing Stephen. We had dinner together on Thursday and Friday

Couldn't agree more, he's a super guy. Always willing to help. His books are fantastic too. I was lucky to finally score a copy of Iron Time at the show and was just chatting with him about it last night.

He always has a amazing curated selection of awards for sale at the show as well.

 

[John Josef]

Thanks!. Yes I had the pleasure of seeing Stephen. We had dinner together on Thursday and Friday

Couldn't agree more, he's a super guy. Always willing to help. His books are fantastic too. I was lucky to finally score a copy of Iron Time at the show and was just chatting with him about it last night.

He always has a amazing curated selection of awards for sale at the show as well.

We are definitely on the same page, great guy and great books. I'm happy to have them all in slipcase form in my library. He had a nice 1870 EC he had just picked up and was happy to show me and with good reason great piece.

Again, congratulations on the 1813 EC that's a beauty. Also getting a copy of Iron Times they are getting harder to find. He had one at his table with water damage and damaged cover and it still had serious interest.

I had a chance at one years ago for a good price but wasn't confident at that time with making the purchase.