Ooops!!!
Up until now I hadnt noticed the Asian influence here, but until Gav noted this, that circle symbol is a Chinese coin motif!!!! I believe it is present on some Chinese swords as a symbolic motif in 17th-18th century Chinese swords, and the architectural structure of the square element at the neck seems Asian as noted as well.
The conundrum thickens, and I'd like to find that symbol in the Chinese sphere or examples of the type of coin it appears on, as well as its meaning.
Again, it always is amazing how these worlds apart were connected via trade.
All best regards,
Jim
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