Back to the original question on Moroccan sa'if (collectively termed 'nimcha' typically), the blades on these seem invariably to be European, most commonly of course German trade blades or other imports. While these are actually sabres, in many cases they are mounted with straight backsword blades, and of course the variations go on.
On that note, regarding the VR crown on this example, this is a remarkably well done example, and I would note that in Gilkerson ("Boarders Away" 1991, p.88) images are shown of a catalog from Schnitzler & Kirshbaum believed mid 19th c. This Solingen firm was producing many blades of 'cutlass' form in variation, many with triple fullers as on this example.
One of the 'cutlass' blades was shown with a crown/GR stamp in the same center blade location. This was of course the Georgian cypher often seen on early British naval cutlasses (1804).
It is indicated that these blades of much earlier form were produced for export by this firm well through the 19th c. so I wonder if it would not be reasonable to presume that the same crown and VR might be placed on these long venerated blades in Solingen by this firm or another? The various celestial type motif seem to further suggest Solingen mfg.
On the second sword shown, the components resemble European officers hilt elements (possibly French) obviously rehilted, and the marks on the blade are rather unusual interpretations of European marks often termed 'cogwheels' (often seen also as stars or sun with radiating lines as well) placed in also unusual context with the 'sickle' marks of European use so popularly used on 'trade' blades.
This configuration resembles other stamped groupings sometimes associated with this Solingen firm, but in most cases these are stars.
These blades seem very likely Solingen imports which may have entered North Africa through any number of entrepots, but do seem 19th century, though probably late. In my own opinion I have always considered these admittedly composite swords quite intriguing as they do have an interesting history of their own despite their often later fabrication.
It remains possible that such stamped markings, in this case with the crowned cypher, may have been stamped locally in one of these entrepots, however it is important to note that Solingen was quite notably involved of course in the use of spurious stamps, marks, inscriptions etc. as well .
I would also note, in a distant context, that in Khyber regions of India's northwest (now Pakistan), the spurious stamping of EIC marks as well as VR marks etc. were placed on modernly reproduced weapons into recent times.
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