Yay!!!
Nando I knew you were out there!! My faith is restored, I knew you and at least several others are also prone to actually study and discussing these weapons and topics! Thank you for coming to the rescue
Readers hang in there, there may be other entries that might enhance more on this topic for your learning. I encourage all to think of examples of these crescent moon markings, and to make an entry here with thoughts. Its actually fun to share ideas and observations, and often we actually find solutions to a mystery or two!
The 'clue' here reveals that these kinds of moons were clearly used in Solingen, and that they were apparantly adopted from some of the swordsmiths in Spain (espaderos). Much in keeping with the application of spurious marks and names of known makers by Solingen swordsmiths from there and often other countries, these were used.....but why in groupings of three in Gene's example.
Also note the ANDREA FERARA on the example reference on the page, and notes Solingen use from a blade designated c.1620, citing the use of the name of this mysterious Italian smith...but that of course is entirely another story, and very much the fun of learning from these blades!