Interesting takouba with encircled cross mark

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Iain

Hi Jim, based on my experience this definitely is not locally applied and is consistent with European engraving. Of course I could be wrong! But I would be very surprised!

Iain, I agree, this does not look native, but perhaps the work of an entrepot worker ('artisan'?) . These blades entering the North African sphere may have had 'alterations' which enhanced value before being dispersed to merchants and caravans. While somewhat consistent with European marks, it seems odd in this quartered circle, but surely recalling the circled crosses which they were familiar with. That's just my thought, which is sort of somewhere in between European and native...…….the blade is of course European and quite old as suggested.
I still think of the beauty you got with the cross fourche in double circle.!!!