Just received my M87 this morning. This one's made by Alex Coppel. I bought it because I already have a V.C.Schilling & a W.K.C. manufactured M87's. Since I already have three M90's, and three M03's, I got myself an extra Christmas/Hannukah Gift!! Needs a bit of clean up. I looked all over for the serial number. I happened to check out the pommel, because my W.K.C. made M87 is serial numbered on the right pommel! My V.C.Schilling is serialed in the normal place, right cross guard. To my great surprise, it's marked on top of the pommel by mortise, number 003! Lowest number I've ever seen! Seller never noticed it. I fortunately got a Turkish frog for it the other day.