I know what you mean Serge. I have worked in and with some of the largest auction houses in Great Britain for 11 years, and specialists are not infallible. When it comes to German daggers, Persian Shamshirs and other highly specialised fields, I have come to realise that I myself and other serious collectors know more than the majority of auction house specialists. Thats just because we read, handle and study more about the subject. That's why militaria auctions contain such a mixed bag, some of it is rubbish other lots are a bargain to the trained eye.

Regarding HH, I cannot help but be sceptical when I see a gold plated, damascus bladed, HJ Leaders Naval Honour dagger ... without... full provenance and a greater explanation of the significance of the piece. It's like Spink & Son suddenly announcing that they have in their upcoming auction a King Offa gold coin, in good condition! Every museum and collector around the world would demand to know how this impossibly rare piece had surfaced. They would get the British Museum to view it before the auction. Has HH asked for world leading experts to view this HJ dagger? For any rare IIIR dagger, the vendor should be prepared to list the full provenance, as is normal when one sells medals, coins, paintings, anything at all that is rare.