Here to give this very deserving thread a little bump, and also to add this little bit of info found here
This opinion, which seems squarely in agreement to those stated thus far concerning the superior quality of the earlier unmarked chains. Not sure what hes talking about saying they have a vaulted look to them though.

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Early examples of the chain dagger were made from nickel silver whilst the later daggers were made from nickel-plated steel.

Eickhorn subcontracted the making of the chains to F W Assman and Sohne. Each chain was stamped with the RZM code of M5/8 (F W Assman and Sohne) and also Musterschutz NSKK – Korpsfurung (Copyright of the NSKK High Command). Note that there are other makers of this chain, the most common is the RZM 5/8. There are chains that have No markings and are 100% period made. These unmarked chains are of the highest quality and are 100% better than the Assman made chains is all respects. The period made unmarked chains have a vaulted look to them.

Doug