Well as a post script to this thread, I was digging through paperwork this morning I came across the TWO PAGE FORMAL CERTIFICATE of AUTHENTICITY given to me by Houston Coates in 2006 when I bought the dagger outlining in detail every single minute aspect of this dagger including his opinion on the clam shell as original third Reich, the blade cross guards handle etc. and his qualifications to make such an opinion as a MAX dealer etc. Needless to say I will make sure the owner has it. David
