I had thought the numerals along side the X2 E1 stamp related to the original Canadian Defense order from the Brits.
This will be good to further investigate as reference material I hold indicates the the Canadian Serial numbers where placed on the pommel with the example I have shown appearing to hold a correct serial number range in the electric stencil format.
I have few other X2 E1 examples as well and will pull them out to cross check... One other Canadian (or so I believe), a British
and unconfirmed (partly confirmed without evidence) Australian
example.
Cheers,
Dane