thanks very much for your comments and observations Grumpy...I agree that the lower crossguard on plated examples are never seen with a distribution stamp but alas here is an example that I consider "period" now whether all of the pieces began in a union together who is to say for certain...what I can tell you is that the tang is correct and as memory serves me has billet marks upon in( I will have to look at it once more to be certain...I like the blade, I like the handle and I like the scabbard...the fittings are internally marked H X and match....the scabbard has original, period paint as evidenced by the age spidering and slighest of crazing.I like the fact that the sigrunen corresponds to what is expected for a 120/34 and I also like that the lower crossguard is stamped with a "I" which is what is most often encountered...at a loss to explain the anomolies however...any other ideas??? thanks and cheers, Ryan