Ed, welcome to the forum.
Yes, I believe you are correct in that your dagger is a post war copy. Etched Eick. mottos on this type are not considered to be "good" from what I understand.
How badly did you get "burned", well, that is a tough question. If you WANTED an original piece then you got burned.
If you want a great looking piece (that only you and a few seroius collectors would be able to tell is post-war) and you would rather pay $300 than $1500, then maybe you got a deal! It is all in how you look at it.
I think you will find that most collectors on this site hold little appreciation for the post-war pieces, but if you are on a budget and want somthing that looks cool and costs a LOT less, then this may be just the thing for you...
It is one of those "eye of the beholder" things.
As an example, I collect only original 3rd reich pieces and must pay a LOT to get them. My brother however likes the look of the daggers but would NEVER buy an original, he is actually interested in buying repro's.
My point: I buy for the HISTORY and only originals have HISTORY.
His point: He wants a dagger that looks cool and if no one (of his friends) can tell the difference, why pay more???
I love my brother, but we will NEVER see eye-to-eye on this issue!!!
Whether or not you got burned depends on what YOU wanted.
Just my 2 cents.
Welcome, and good hunting,
Johnny