David, Norman, Manuel, you guys are good!!!!
The fire & water are indeed apt symbols for a swordsmith, and I had no idea about the six point star and interlocking triangles and the use of this symbol in Damascus. That makes perfect sense, and would explain the presence of this symbol on swords typically thought of as Islamic.
What better surround on a 'proof' mark than that of quintessance as a mark of highest quality!
Mystery indeed solved!!
Thank you so much guys.
All the best,
Jim