Great wisdom, Jim and rather comprehensive observations on the shell wide influence as a symbol, namely its presence in the Espada Ancha, one of your beloved favorites
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In trying to go further into deciphering the inscription, i found i have negleted a little but maybe important detail in identifying the maker's mark; an
O circumference/letter/digit on the forte. As it only appears on the right face of the blade, with no counterpart on the left side, i assume it is an intentional mark and not an 'arcane' symbol.
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