Not everything,particularly a one off piece such as this one, is going to conform to current day collectors expectations;especially presentation items. One only has to go back and look at the Amman dagger,which I got to examine first hand,to understand this. I have watched damascus being forged into blades with my own eyes and discussed this subject with various makers. They will all tell you it is an imprecise art more than a science. Morover;the larger the piece is the more difficult the forging becomes. I doubt if there's anyone today who could forge that blade with raised damascus lettering. Is this a legit example that was made for Goering? I for one won't judge it until it has been examined by someone more knowledgeable than me. However if you want to see a really butt ugly example of a Goering presentation sword I'll direct you to T Johnsons "World War II German War Booty" P.21 where the Mussolini presentation sword is pictured. Jim
