Thanks for responding, Jim and always great to hear from you! I had been following your correspondence on that spectacular cuphilt on the other thread. As you pointed out, there seems to have been quite a bit of 'sharing' when it came to popular sword patterns and designs. Duely noted are the espada ancha, with their striated shell guards and patterns. I have a French hanger with brass hilt I've posted in the past with nautical designs/shell decorations. This process of similar decorations and designs, coupled with the routes of trade, always create intriguing possible connections. I was very surprised to see them on the inner bars of that cuphilt. Again, thanks for commenting and 'tipping the hat' towards a possible naval connection, Cap'n Jim!
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