I don't know the source either, but the hilt on this one is zinc. And I've seen it done underneath the plating on a pitted blade with the same type markings as also seen on bogus SS sword blades (from circa 1970's(?). As for those pictured in the book you can't tell anything from the low resolution photos. Also from the book since when is "VA 401/37 SS" the SS code assigned to Mundlos? And then there are the early directives from Hitler and others as to what was approved and the RZM.
Last edited by Fred Prinz - FP; 09/10/2013 05:37 PM. Reason: clarification
