[TVV]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Hi Norman,
I dont have illustrations handy, but they have been discussed here quite a few times over the years (especially on the early makers trademarks thread now over on European Armoury). These markings have been the subject of considerable debate since the late 19th century, and commonly appear also on Caucasian blades termed 'gurda', as mentioned nearly all Afghan paluoars that I have seen, occasionally on Scottish Andrea Ferara blades, many European blades seen in "Cut and Thrust Weapons" E. Wagner, 1967, and some others.

All the best,
Jim

Here is a "gurda" marking on a sword from Afghanistan.
Very nice sword/cutlass Norman! The possibility of it being a Maratha naval cutlass is especially intriguing.
Regards,
Teodor