What's up with the 'unmarked' items, like blades, medals, etc... Does anyone know why some companies would NOT maker mark their items?
I tend to shy away from these for fear of being reproductions, but sometimes can't. I don't understand. The Germans seem so obsessive with details, why not mark everything? Thanks, Mike

example you will not find a maker mark on all early SS-Führerdegen blades

Thanks for the example. I was actually looking to see if there was an explanation as to why some manufactures would mark and others wouldn't. Was it cheaper not to mark their items? Mostly referring to items like war badges and other medals, or daggers. Thanks, Mike.

Mike, some manufacturers did not mark their items if they felt they were of a lesser quality, or if they were subcontracting to other companies..these are but two of a myriad of reasons why some firms did not mark their items..

it is obvious even to the blind why some did not mark their wares,,,they knew well in advance that one day,collectors all over the world would scratch their heads in utter confusion as to who made their badges,,the devious and cunning manufacturer's even went so far as to sub-contract some of their items and to use their respective competitor's dies in addition,,all to befuddle us and have the last laugh after all,,so their's was victory of sorts,,,