Thanks for the insight. Do you have any suggestions for someone new on generally verifying blades before purchase. I know there are quite a few books out there, but I don't know their accuracy. Wittman seems to have a variety of areas covered in his work.
And as for nonstandard engraving, is there anyway of determining when it was done? There are quite a few initial and name variants, and it seems like no one could verify the style as authentic, but rather would have to base it on other factors. For example, the sword I linked has an engravement that matches the condition of the rest of the piece (ie cleanliness and oxidation). However, the dagger's scabbard section could have been polished down at anytime to apply the phrases.
Thank you again for the help.
