Personally, I would begin to question the supposedly and exclusively european origin of this kind of marks. Their presence in antique nepali weapons opens many questions. Maybe this is another of the so many myths created by western specialist in edged weapons. I don't think India needed so much occidental blades, or their 'prestigious' marks, and if those blades are present in indian swords is more due to their openess to experimentate than for true need of them. Openess other peoples didn't had. Unless we have hard evidence based on facts, and not a mere speculation, we cannot assume the origin of this kind of marks as a fact. Better, as Jens said, investigate it and present solid arguments. A good time-line comparison among this marks among oriental and occidental blades would be useful. What if this mark appears first in an older oriental blade?
Regards
Gonzalo
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