The black "peppery" effect was caused when the diamond was polished down after enameling, BUT was not re-fired to smooth out the enamel, of "flash-melt" the ground down surface - leaving a porous surface that has, over time, filled up with dirt and grime. When it came out of the "factory" it did not look like this.
The prongs are dead right for a dagger, but the markings raise another question, well not a question really, but an observation regarding "If a diamond wiggles" on a
HJ knife.
Well we know that some makers, like Deschler for example, made diamonds with sunken markings, and this one shows raised markings, meaning that depending on the actual diamond used for the knife, whether it had all the markings and plate SUNK into the badge reverse, or not, would also play a part in, "If the diamond wiggles"
Because if they were raised, like this one, then there is no way that the diamond can sit 100% flush into the knife recess, without having a minimal "play-room". If the markings were sunken, as well as pin plate, then it would obviously sit 100% flush in the recess, with no play-room.
So the actual makings, as well as pin plate, on the reverse of the HJ knife diamonds, also play a big part in "If it will wiggle or not" as well, and well as usage, size, care taken in attaching it etc etc......