I can't give you a complete answer here but I don't think most of the manufacturers forged their own damascus sword blades. With demand low,at least during the 3rd Reich period, I suspect these were "farmed out" to subcontractors and then fitted out by the particular sword manufacturer.
It's really IMO not necessary to see the tang on a sword to tell if it's really damascus steel as it's usually very apparent upon close inspection. Those "etched damascus" examples,again IMO, aren't even close.
Perhaps someone else can provide a more definitive answer for you.
Jim
