L11 EK2 Spange – Wilhelm Deumer

Product Description: This L11 EK2 Spange is a choice example of this award, in outstanding condition. It is a top-quality piece, made of a brass alloy (Tombak). The obverse has a great look, with beautiful, perfect original finish. Brightly polished highlights contrast nicely with the matte look of the original frosting, which is completely intact. All of the original detail is present, with no sign of wear. The reverse of this L11 EK2 Spange is flat and smooth. It’s stamped with the LDO manufacturer code “L/11,” which identifies the maker as the firm of Wilhelm Deumer in Lüdenscheid. The construction of this piece is textbook for this maker, with soldered on prongs. The prongs are neatly bent, crossing each other. This Spange is complete with a correct replacement original worn ribbon, which shows normal age toning. It’s a very beautiful award, free of damage or repairs. The condition rates as near mint.

Historical Description: When Adolf Hitler reinstituted the historical Iron Cross was decoration on September 1, 1939, he also instituted a special new award, the “Wiederholungsspange,” to recognize people who had earned the 1914 Iron Cross during WWI and whose actions in this new war merited being awarded the Iron Cross again. There were two different patterns of this Spange, for the First and Second Classes of the Iron Cross. Both of them took the form of a German national eagle and swastika emblem, with outstretched wings, over a bar with the date “1939.” The First-Class award had a pin attachment or screw back, to enable it to be worn on the uniform pocket over the 1914 Iron Cross. Some combo-type awards are also known, with the Spange fastened to the top arm of the 1914 cross. The Second Class Spange had two or four prongs on the reverse and was affixed to a length of 1914 pattern Iron Cross ribbon. Most of the Spange awards were made of a brass alloy (Buntmetall) with a silver finish, while late war examples were produced from zinc. As with most German combat awards, there were many variations of the Spange produced, including miniature awards for the ribbon bar.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com