Hi Jim,
I was hoping Ed might have some insights when he gets a chance to visit the thread.
Looks like I went through a few of the same materials as you, although you covered more ground for sure. I also produced a blank, not a sign of a wasp in anything takouba or kaskara related I have access to.
I think the blade is likely to be native at this point, the fuller isn't as long as on Chris' Clauberg for one thing. Still it's well made with good flex. I think the entry of this blade style was earlier, as the standing knight was in use by Clauberg from 1850.
The stamp does confuse me though, the style isn't something I'd associate with most native marks. I think if it is native, you are spot on with the talismanic attributes idea, similar thoughts crossed my mind.
Where's Ed?
