David,
Initially I thought this is a locally made blade, but what you and Jim suggest is very likely - a trade blade, marked locally. The markings as shown are very crude.
Lew,
I also thought about removing the goat skin, but I am afraid I would not be able to put it back on if I do that, and there is another layer underneath. Where the wooden hilt is exposed, it appears to be in decent shape. Patinated as old wood should be, but dry and not rotting, and it is quite sound. I think I will leave the hilt as is
. I might add a pommel, which should be pretty easy to make at one point, but everything else I would rather keep in as original condition as possible. I am thinking of applying some Peckard in the parts, where the fur is off the skin.
Regards,
Teodor