Thanks Captain Chris, great info.

Now I know why it doesn't have choils at the hilt.

"Real Mini" I know that some country(ies) are trying to copy
any thing of value that our country has ever made. Also a coin collector, I have seen copies of valuable coins all over e-bay. However my being in possesion of this knife for at least 30 years
(I know it's only my word) I am fairly confident these copies of coins and knifes are pretty recent.

How would one get it authenticated, if indeed it has substantial
value?

My thanks again to Captain Chris for instructions on how to do a
proper photo and post.