NSKK Handle Questions

[MA02093]

Has anyone ever seen a handle like this? I don't know if the handle has been messed with by someone or if it was produced like this.

[TRC]

Sure looks like it was slathered with some clear coat.
Also, may be the angle of the pic, but the SA emblem looks off centered, as in turned a bit to the right.

[Stu W]

The fits are good leading me to think it's an authentic piece that has had some sort of clear preservative applied to it. Is it a hard shell or oily?

Regards,
Stu

[josh105]

Looks like a type of shellac finish, likely by someone that didn't know what they had. Shellac is great for all other types of wood... probably thought he was preserving it.

It should feel almost like a glassy finish.