There is something about the lower left front of the grip that does not look right.It looks like it was filled in with plastic wood and then shaped,sort of.Also there is discoloration around the eagle.The grip to me looks worked.
Does it come with its scabbard?It is a very hard to find maker,yes the grip has been toyed with but sometomes you have to get them when you can.If the price is right snap it up.
Ivan.
As a long time dagger collector,me I,d leave it alone.
Clearly been messed with from what you show.What about what we dont see?
Leave it.They are out there and DO show up.
Seiler.
I guess it just ultimately is a matter of how much you really want one by that particular maker, whether you mind it having been "monkeyed" with, and esspecially what the price is--which should appropriately reflect its misgivings.
I would personally not be happy with the grip being "monkeyed" with, so I'd pass on it--but that's just me. I don't collect makers, perse; I collect daggers I like. However, on the other hand (just to be fair and balanced), if I seriously collected certain makers, and I had searched relentlessly without luck, I might think differently.
The lower crossguard's on backwards so the dagger's obviously been apart, but that's not unusual. From the looks of the pommel nut pliers were used. There is a spot of finish missing on the grip under the eagles right wing. The bottom left front of the grip looks like it's taken a hit. Something looks a bit odd with the finish in that area, but that just may be the photo. The grip definately looks like a C. Bertram Reinh.
The blade has some aging, but not too terribly much. Overall the dagger looks like it has seen it's fair share of use, but is still in decent shape. My biggest concern with this dagger would be the lower left front of the grip. If there isn't a repair there and it's just a flaw in the finish or the photo, then I think the dagger's fine. I wouldn't necessarily shove this one off without further looking into it.
Does it have the scabbard with it? And can you get more photos or a hands on inspection? Is the auction local or online?.
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