Iain and Ed, thank you for your responses. I believe the writing is the same as on the Oriental Arms sold gurade, in which case it would be "Comptoir Europeen" under the lion of Judah and "Acier Superein" under the St. George image on the other side. Neither point to a maker or dealer.
Does anyone know if the Lion of Judah was used by the Solomonic dynasty, starting with Menelik II, or if it was used by the preceding dynasties as well? I suspect the blade was produced during Menelik II's reign, and if so, that would place it most likely in the early 20th century and certainly after the famous battles of Gallabat and Adwa.
Teodor
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