All About Pocket Knives

Do you guys know of any resources on determining the age and authenticity of an etch, or tips you may know of personally? From time to time an old toenail with an etch comes along and I don't want to break the bank to buy one that has been etched by anyone other than the original manufacturer.

I've attached one that was presented to me for purchase. It was represented to be a Case Brothers TESTED XX with this etch.
Thanks for your help.
Scott

I'm no Case expert, but if the etch lies on top of any sharpening marks or scratchs I'd feel comfortable saying the etch is not authentic. The etch is usually the first thing to go on a knife.

I've never seen a Case Brothers with an etch, if the blades are marked they are typically stamped "XX" or "Tested XX". While I ceratinly haven't seen them all, I've handled several hundred. Also, the style and font of the etch on the knife above looks very modern.