I would have to agree with the idea that timing by itself is not necessarily a factor. After the Berlin Wall came down - legitimate period German militaria showed up which was virtually unknown in the west.
That said, there still seems to be a fair amount of �Sturm und Drang� swirling around regarding this topic. As was also already commented on, it really seems to be two discussions in one. And other than Mr. Stephens. I don�t think anyone has addressed the appearance of the dagger blade with the signature that this discussion was started with.
Period photographs with clearly discernible details cannot be disregarded, and have to be accepted as facts versus opinions. But what is inside the scabbard is going to take more effort to try and ascertain the truth. Especially if the workmanship does not look like that which would be expected from that era.
It was stated that a silver chained example turned up in 1965 with the signature. And before he exited, Craig said he was going to post an example with a non-silver version of the chain. Is the signature on those versions of the dagger any different? Do they look like the example posted below? FP
