Tim, Norman and Emanuel
Excellent teamwork there
You've certainly made an argument for a possible eastern European origin.
I still can't help but feel that whatever they are, they are a specific type in their own right, so we should be able to find clear pictures of another example to compare them with.
They are so distinctive.
I'm still on the fence about them.
I can see merit for all of the theories proposed so far, but I think that until we find another identified example to nail them down we won't have a consensus.
I've expanded this request to other collecting forums and similarly, if anyone reading this knows for sure or can show/link to another of these for reference, then please email me at:
gimmieitbaby@aol.com
Best
Gene