I suspect the inspiration for the etching came from signs, given to members of the Bulgarian Militia after the war. Not sure, but I suspect there was similar Russian insignia, on which the Bulgarian was based. The cross over a crescent is also a symbol of the victory in the 1877-78 Russo-Turkish War. The blade may be an authentic old blade, which has been "enhanced" in this manner and put into new, inaccurate dress.
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