As DVS said, post #279 is a reproduction mid / late 80ies. Wrong shape on blade, no black spacers. Sheath also got it’s own tell tales. Best MHL

You might put this on the sister sight as US militaria collectors might not be as interested as the "other country" collectors. VLJ used to be the place but honestly that's a fashion show for years now for the cheapest reproduction jackets. There were some big Irvin collectors there but sadly many have passed on. Dave 

This recently surfaced on an auction site. When I first saw it I had my doubts as one rarely sees Army engraved medals with anything other than the name of the recipient. Perhaps this one has been addressed before, but it only sold for $375 plus 20% plus shipping and taxes so  close to $500 when all is said and done. I hesitated to post before auction end as I did not plan on bidding and did not want to draw attention to it.   My knowledge of ww2 engraving is limited, having scoured this site and read through Dave's Sacrifice Remembered book. I am not convinced that this is legitimate, I dont like the style of letters and workmanship, but wish to learn from anyone with an educated opinion. Perhaps privately engraved, although not very good quality or craftsmanship on the part of the engraver.   Here is the auction exerpt:   Description Lot of two US groupings to include 1) WWII US ARMY 100TH DIVISION SILVER STAR & BRONZE STAR GROUPING. Private engraved Silver Star that is a partial wrapped brooch and to the reverse is engraved BITCHE FRANCE 1944. The medal is numbered 34735. Also in the lot is a WWII 100 Division Shoulder Patch along with a Bronze Star. Lastly, an old Newspaper article that gives a graphic glimpse of T/SGT. Bill Stoddard and his service with the 100th Division to which these medals came from. Excellent.

Ewwww…   All my books are still boxed up due to the ongoing house remodeling. I thought I knew which box it was in but not easily accessible. To complicate things, while I was away 12 hours yesterday helping Dear Daughter and Hubby move to a new apartment, Dear Wife rearranged all the boxes! I’ll get it dug out someday.  mikie  

Ha! Things are definitely looking up for you there. Or is it down? 😁 

Now that is a find!  Well done!   -Ski

Here is the AI overview and translation of the "reverse of #2", pasted below. You can do the same by dragging the other images into google lens and it will give you an overview and translation. It gives a lot more details and information on Muller who after his capture co-operated with the Soviets. Fascinating.     AI Overview This German document, titled "Im Osten" (In the East), is a World War II propaganda leaflet designed for Allied forces to drop on German troops to persuade them to surrender. It features an order from General lieutenant Müller to the 4th Army near Minsk, dated July 8, 1944, instructing them to cease fighting due to their hopeless situation.  General lieutenant Müller orders his surrounded troops east of Minsk to surrender immediately to stop the useless fighting. The leaflet outlines promises from the Russian High Command regarding medical care for the wounded and the retention of swords for officers and medals for soldiers. It advises assembling and handing over all weapons and equipment undamaged.   Translation In the East Lieutenant General Müller capitulates as his 4th Army is cut off near Minsk by the surprise Russian advance. On July 8, 1944, he issues the following order to his troops east of Minsk: Soldiers of the 4th Army! After a week of heavy fighting and marches, our situation has become hopeless. We have done our duty. Our combat strength has dropped to a minimum, and there is no hope of reinforcement. According to information from the OKW, the Russians are near the city of Baranovichi. The last lines over the next watercourse are cut off from us. There is no hope of escaping from here with our forces and means. Our units are hopelessly scattered. A huge number of wounded had to be left in the lurch without any help. The Russian High Command has promised: a) medical help for the wounded; b) to leave the sword to the officers and the medals to the soldiers. It was proposed to us: to collect all weapons and equipment and hand them over undamaged; to stop the useless resistance. I order the fight to be stopped immediately. Local groups of 100 to 500 men will assemble under the leadership of officers or senior non-commissioned officers. The wounded will be collected and taken along. We must show discipline and composure and begin executing this measure as quickly as possible. This order is to be passed on in writing, orally, and by all means. MÜLLER, LIEUTENANT GENERAL Commanding General of the 12th Army Corps.  

Thanks for posting, jsand. If it was me, without more information  on who this was, I would pass on it. Still, a definitely different engraving style.

All interesting stuff.  thanks for all the input.  I wonder if they was ever a government contract for purchase of this knife.  It may helpful to clarify how many may be out there. 

Welcome to this Forum. The name looks like “RC Merkle”. I’ll let some more experienced researchers “weigh in” on the roster question.