I always wondered how a Smithsonian would look without the handle on it.

Did it came like this from the shop? The seller on eBay say's it does. The Brass Hilt isn't drilled to fit the tang, so assuming the guard is original, maybe he is wright?

You can see the solder line on the edge, so it didn't come that way...80's collar and scalloped butt and I'm not entirely sure that's the correct size lug for the smithsonian...

Thanks!

Original finished looks like it was sand blasted. There's alot of pitting on that blade.

That's NOT the original finish...

Positively, right on Scott! & it's not stainless. Buy the knife (or whatever it is)...NOT the STORY!
Caveat Emptor
Capt. Chris

lunch box knife?

For the "vintage" (if the sheath he has listed came out about the same time as the blade), I think it's a "dug-up"! Prior to certain low-lifes getting "found out", the shop used to bury all of their mis-forged, mis-stamped, faulty, etc., etc. blades in the grove. Certain individuals dug them up and sold them with a variety of "stories" (Def: LIES) about what they really were. The burial practice was canned and all blades of this nature are now cut up.
Spending all of my earlier professional life installing and servicing burglar alarms...I hate a thief!
Still do, Capt. Chris