Jim thanks for all the time and effort you have put into this investigation.
Unfortunately when it comes to Brass core chip novices such as myself, there still is the element of getting stuck with a counterfiet.

While those of you that collect Brass cores and are familiar with them, or perhaps have real examples to compare them to... no problem

On the other had for others such as myself who have little knowledge or for those e-bay purchasers, this can still be a big problem.

I will say that your information is certainly of help and is appreciated it will still leave many a potential buyer very skittish