Hi Jens,
Markings are always a puzzle (as we know!!
) . These markings are derived from early marks believed from N. Italian blademaking centers and termed 'sickle marks'. These migrated with Italian trade, probably out of Genoa, and were widely copied in other centers, especially Solingen.
The native bladesmiths in India, among others, used interpretations of these markings as a mark of quality, and probably, as you note, applied the mark in whatever fashion they chose. It seems these sickle marks are almost standard on the blades of Afghan paluaors.
Beautiful pattern in that blade!!!
All the best,
Jim