Hi Jim,
Thanks for the great notes on these marks.
I recall now we've discussed the potential link between British proof stamps and the star. I believe it turned up on some kaskara as well as an acid etch, I think Stephen has one.
The note about C.Lutters and Co. is actually particularly interesting because from a little research online it seems they did a lot of razor manufacturing as well. This is of particular interest because explorers like Barth are quite clear on the import of razors into Sahel markets during the 1800s.
I'm attaching an image found online of the Lutters mark - I am not sure what period it is from, but I think interesting none the less.
I could not find anything about swords from Lutters from the period - but I think the straight razors are an interesting angle and possible vector for the mark in native usage.
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