[4 Scale]

Originally Posted by sheepherder

Datig, Jones, and Sturgess & Gortz also discuss the Totenkopf Lugers. I am one of the few who believe there are 'real' Totenkopf Lugers, and that they were borne by the Freikorps.

Thanks, I appreciate the references and will look for the issue in those works as I acquire them, it is a very interesting marking and worthy of study.

Originally Posted by sheepherder

issue here is not whether they are 'real' or fakes

Several posters have declared without qualification that it is impossible for the markings to be real, so I am puzzled by your comment.

Originally Posted by sheepherder

...there is no way to prove their authenticity (of the markings)...any seller should make an effort to let the buyer know that...

Applies to any marking I would think. That these markings seem to be exceptionally rare is more the issue. Personally, I don't want to read a site cluttered with disclaimers. IMO it is incumbent on Simpsons to accurately disclose what they have. Until evidence is presented that they have not fulfilled that duty, I must conclude that they have, given their reputation and my own dealings with them.

I don't know enough about the issue to differ with your most recent statement that Simpson's should have included disclaimer language. While more disclosure is generally better, it would seem that many Lugers on their site might potentially have faked markings. Where does one draw the line it what their disclosure should be regarding the possibility of fakery?

Absent other evidence, I will assume that Simpsons carefully examined the markings and found no evidence of fakery. Given the premium pricing of the pistols being discussed IMO it is incumbent on the buyer to conduct whatever investigation they feel they need.