Late XVII century Kaskara ?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Rick

JIm, regarding the two kaskara hilts shown in the above post by you; a question, has anyone come up with a meaning or origin of the mark on the right hand blade? Does this mark signify european or local manufacture?
The Kaskara that I own has this same mark, and maybe my memory is failing me but I can't remember whether it was identified.

Rick, you and I are likely on same memory issues, but this strange mark as far as I know has never been identified. I recall we termed it the 'enigma' and there were notions that it might be related to some of the unusual marks seen in Briggs (1965). I recall even thinking it might have been related to some Sudanese cattle brands, which had a moment of promise but no further support.
It seems you and I have the only examples of this mark (that I can recall), but these discussions were 14 or more years ago, and I think I've had the sword for about 20 years or so.
The mark does not indicate European source for the blade, but it may be a copy of one.
Really hoped we'd find some solution, but there are many 'enigmas' with these weapons.......shaver cool man!

[Rick]

Thanks Jim, I guess my incipient dementia isn't that bad after all..
The mystery continues then.