Page 262 EK I. and Gold Wound Badge attributed to Knight’s Cross Holder Wilhelm Dietrich

Yeah, right. One of my own early purchases. Simply put, the pin is wrong on the Wound Badge. That being said, both pieces must have false engravings.

Motto of the story: don’t buy the story.

Page 265 Spange for EK I. marked L/21

This mark of Forster & Barth of Pforzheim is believed to be erroneous. L/21 was not a known maker for this particular item. Known makers are 4, L/10, L/11, L/12, L/13, L/18, L/22, L/50 and L/55. Please review list in
the back of the book (pages 450, 451) for associated names.

Page 283 Navy Honor Clasp

Style now thought to be a reproduction. The gaps under the anchor between the anchor and wreath are the indicator. Also, this is an exceptionally rare item.

Pages 310, 311 Bullet-Holed Knight’s Cross of Garf von der Schulenburg

I never put my hands on this piece before it appeared in the book. All the photos were supplied by the German Historical Museum in Berlin. It is said this piece does not match known examples of an L/12 Knight’s Cross. I must agree. However, the museum claims the piece is authentic without a doubt. They stuck by that point on my later visit for a different purpose when I brought up this “touchy” matter

Page 429 DK 1939

A sad story, indeed. This piece matches the 1957 DK next to it so well I did not even notice. Very clever of me to put the clue right next to the piece in question, ah. It belongs to Horst von Schroeter, and I photographed it in his home. Here is a case where someone came to visit the good man and literally walked away with his award, replacing it with what you see here. Then along comes this big “expert” guy on the EK, and expecting to find the real deal, I found the scene of a crime. Then I, along with the dear admiral, played sucker for awhile.

When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging.