I repeat: On the example I own, the grip perfectly fits the lower guard, the blade shoulders perfectly fit the lower guard and the lower guard and throat perfectly match. What are the odds of such if the lower guard was changed? I don't doubt scabbards get exchanged for one reason or another. But, intentionally changing lower crossguards makes no sense, especially for vets or their families. And even if it did, there would be serious and blatantly noticeable match-up problems. Additionally, if these wholesale changes took place, where were they finding all the lower guards internally marked "PA?"
