While it seems hard to believe that someone would counterfeit an FWE after taking a look at 5 of that brand that I have I notice none of them have jimps. The FWE Special stamp is unique to that model. The Leader, Warren 28 and Engels Wedge all have their own unique Engles stampings. They also have unique scales with the model embossed in the mark side or the decorated ends that came on the Special and the Leaders.

Had Rich not pointed out this being a knock off I wouldn't have taken a closer look and noticed the jimps. All of my FWEs regardless of the model have a blade that is reminiscent of a dubl duck. They are sort of delicate and again, no jimps.

Anyone can have a stamp made to copy an existing marque. FWE isn't around to sue them for copyright or brand infringement. Check the seller's other items and he has a 'buy it now' auction for the same razor @ $88.00 with 2 available. Looks like a carbon copy of the one in the other auction with the same generic Solingen scales.

Maybe the people at the source have gotten hold of some stamped blade blanks ? That is another possibility. All I can say is know what you are buying in the area of NOS vintage razors. IOW, know the characteristics of the real McCoy before you plunk down your hard earned $$.

I saw the same phenomenon with high dollar vintage pocket knives in the early '70s. Case Tested trappers and whittlers being the most frequent at that time along with Remington Bullets.