After finding some more possible evidence of bad welds (etc.) - I decided to take a little better look at what seems to be the almost perfectly preserved hilt and grip.
By all accounts Reichsmarshall G�ring was fond of blades, so I can understand the purpose of a special sword being commissioned to gain favor with him. I can also understand a blade smith having a bad day or two at the forge. But the grip is basic metal working. Another �bad day� at the sword works? FP
