UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Miscellaneous Dagger Forum Fake NPEA on ebay 150654605892

Seller does not say it's original, but does make some implications it is:NPEA (or NAPOLA) Student dagger, complete with frog, in good condition (see photos).

- Handle is in wood brown color, no insignias on either side as is correct for this dagger, with one chip near the lower crossguard (see photos 3,4 & 8)

- Crossguards are in solid nickel or nickel plated, the lower crossguard inside has a caster�s marking: �P.A.� (see on photo 8) and are in good condition. There is no school marking or numbers stamped on it.

- Blade is in good condition also, on one side the etched motto �Mehr sein als scheinen.�, and on the other side the maker�s mark is also etched (Karl Burgsm�ller � Charlottenburg 5 � Berlin) (see on photos 3,4,5 &6). On the tang there is a date or a number (?) 1936 (see photo 10)

- Scabbard is in good condition, olive brown painted, small scratches and surface wear, it seems to be in copper or another metal like that (yellowish it seems). The scabbard throat is fixed with 2 small screws on the side (see photo 11)

- Frog is in good condition. Upper part is in leather with stitches while the lower part seems to be made of layers of cardboard pressed with a kind of black varnished fabric on it (see photo 9)

If you have any questions or if you need additional photos, pleas feel free to ask.

I am unable to guarantee if it is 100% authentic or if it is an old early reproduction, I am not a specialist of this particular type of dagger. The good quality is consistent with other authentic daggers (more common) that I have, the etching is also correctly made, all parts are of excellent quality and fits well together. Please look at the photos, make your research on Google or in books if you have them and bid accordingly. Therefore: starting bid at 1 US$, and no reserve price!

Shipping from Brussels, Belgium by EMS with tracking number :

So, what are the tell tale signs? The grip is the wrong color, and shape is slightly off. PA marked guards are from an SA dagger. Tang marked 1936 is a sure sign of a repro, although an older one which looks pretty darn good and far as the acid etchings and cross graining. Scabbard has brass showing though the paint on the lug and tip, originals aren't made of brass. So, overall, a decent reproduction, and a good chance to go over the signs of a reproduction.

More pics of the grip. The top of the grip shows the incomplete staining.

Certainly a dagger to sting many a collector, especially with that "1936" blade. I was always struck by how good these blades look, even in person. Thanks John for bringing this to light.


Here's a link to the item:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150654605892

Yes John,Thanks for the warning and explanation.

Regards

THIS ONE IS BAD TO THE BONE.

Yes, thank you John . . . one of the many reasons we come back here daily!

The seller is very nice, actually contacted me after I bid, saw the about me section collecting WWII daggers. He asked about the originality of the dagger.
Hi again John,

I made a revision of the Ebay auction using the informations you gave me, I hope you don�t mind. I don�t want people paying 2.500 US$ if it�s not worth it, there are already too many people getting burned on fake daggers (it happened to me in the beginning also, expensive lessons!).

He added this to his listing:

On Aug-28-11 at 03:03:02 PDT, seller added the following information:

Attention : Someone who's watching this item told me that this dagger isn't an autentic one but an old reproduction of very good quality made in Germany (post war then), with a few good parts (crossguards would be from a SA dagger). It certainly has value but please bid accordingly and make your own research. I'm no expert in these particular daggers and gave the best description I could. I also add 2 photos of the grip he asked me

I wish all the fakes were so easy to spot. Funny thing: I've been asked today by a friend from Belgium about the opinion on "Eickhorn" NPEA (the dagger turned out to be a fake as well).

WOW, 2 uninformed people sniped it, ended at US $1,225.00. Crazy waste of money. Ron's book would have been a better buy!

It is refreshing to see that some sellers are still honest.

And how about this piece? What are the red flags you can spot...

I believe this piece has already made the rounds on Eban & Gunbroker, previously selling in the $400+ range several months ago.

From what I can see, the scabbard ball looks off in t erms of shape, as if it's been brazed on. The crossguards are PA marked which is not a known NPEA producer. Crossguard numbers look completely incorrect. The tang looks as if someone tried to add an accepted NPEA tang marking, the stylized arrow. I don't think anyone need go further.

Same piece yet again, note the corrosion near the logo.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/German-NPEA-Student-Dagger-/320764626997