Hello Richard; As many Ek collectors are aware; makers 23, 24, and 25 were actually a guild of independent colocated artisans associated under one administrative collective. All three makers had varying cores; particularly 25; which in particular had both a very dark Matt finished core (akin to Bill Garvy's 23) and a smoother core. I have two 24s of varying core texture, both in nice condition; and in reviewing this forum as well as WAF have seen both regularly displayed among quality collections. I would just like to add the 23 Eks displayed here are fanstastic..nice going! -Kevin