Shashka for comments

[TVV]

My friend from Bulgaria has asked me to post this shashka here for comments. It is a bit unusual, with a scabbard with brass mounts with floral motives, which to me appear to be of Ottoman influence, but I may be wrong. There is a cartouche on one side with some script or an imitation of a script. On the other side, there is an interesting symbol: a beast like moon? Has anyone seen a similar symbol, and would anyone venture a guess as to dating and area of origin?

Thank you,
Teodor